Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-12-13T08:01:01

(BPT) – The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic festive drink like eggnog? Shamrock Farms, a family-owned-and-operated dairy brand, has crafted rich and flavorful products, including seasonal favorite eggnog, for 100 years. A timeless holiday drink that has delighted folks since the 16th century, has evolved across cultures worldwide. While sipping it straight is wonderful, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to enjoy this traditional holiday drink.

Now, Shamrock Farms has released a must-try eggnog, perfected over three generations, exclusively at Aldi: Vanilla Spice Eggnog.

Shamrock Farms is no stranger to putting a modern twist on a classic favorite. Check out these five favorite festive ways to use their newest creamy Vanilla Spice Eggnog made from a custom blend of spices and sweet vanilla flavor this holiday season.

1. Eggnog Hot Chocolate

Elevate your hot chocolate by blending it with Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog for a cozy, new holiday favorite. Whether you’re fixing it up for yourself or the kids, eggnog hot chocolate is a great addition to your holiday drinks roster. Make sure your hot chocolate is made with delicious, quality eggnog by shopping for Shamrock Farms Traditional, Lite or Irish Whiskey — and the new Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog available at your local ALDI while supplies last.

Simply heat up your favorite hot chocolate, stir in some Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog and add a pinch of nutmeg. Add an extra dash of holiday cheer with a spray of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy.

2. Eggnog French Toast

Infuse the holiday spirit into your breakfast with eggnog French toast! Swap out milk for Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog in your go-to French toast recipe for a sweet, custard-like breakfast treat. Finish with powdered sugar, syrup, whipped cream, nutmeg and cinnamon.

3. Eggnog Cocktails

Spiked eggnog is a favorite adult holiday drink and serves as a perfect base for a variety of cocktails!

Whether you mix up an Eggnog Martini or White Russian, experience the warm, inviting flavors to pure, great-tasting cream and milk of Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog, a recent addition to the Shamrock Farms lineup. These modern twists on a classic drink will delight your guests. Best of all, you can turn any eggnog cocktail into a mocktail by simply omitting the alcohol.*

4. Eggnog Cookies

Freshly baked holiday cookies are a staple of the season. Add Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog to the mix to take your sugar cookies to the next level. Bring out the eggnog flavor in these sweet treats by adding nutmeg and rum extract to your recipe. Don’t forget to pick up a pack of holiday cookie cutters to make your cookies stand out at the next family gathering or holiday party.

5. Eggnog Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding is a crowd-pleasing dessert that you can bring to any holiday gathering. Make this classic dessert even merrier by infusing it with Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog! Lifestyle influencer, Erin O’Brien, is known for her delicious takes on everyday dishes. Here she upgraded the standard bread pudding recipe with the merry addition of Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog. Follow @Erin O’Brien’s recipe for the most mouthwatering results:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place bread into a baking dish and sprinkle with cranberries.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.

4. Pour mixture over the bread and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

5. Drizzle melted butter overtop and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

6. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium-low heat, add eggnog, butter and sugar. Once warmed and all ingredients are well combined, add rum and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Pour over the bread pudding and enjoy!

Raise a glass (or plate) and cheers to a holiday fan-favorite! Let these five Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog-based holiday treats inspire you to craft your own festive creations!

*Drinking alcohol may be harmful to your health and addictive. Please drink responsibly. If you have a problem with alcohol, please visit Responsibility.org.

2023-12-13T08:01:01

(BPT) – Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for your tech-savvy loved one? Don’t worry. Tech-Life expert Jennifer Jolly knows the best gadgets and tech-ish tools for all the tech lovers in your life. Here are a handful of her top picks to help spark joy this holiday season.

1. Smartwatch with fitness tracker

For your health-conscious loved one who’s always on the go, Jennifer says a smartwatch with fitness-tracking features “hits the target every time.” On its own, a smartwatch is an invaluable gift your friend or family member will use every day with useful features like notifications, voice commands and music playback. However, smartwatches that track steps, heart rate, sleep patterns and sports activity can help users push their limits to reach (and even exceed) their fitness goals in the new year.

2. Smartphone

Do you have a preteen who has been begging for their first smartphone? Or has your spouse hinted that they’d like to upgrade their current model? The holidays are a great time to give your loved ones a gift that keeps on giving, and a smartphone is exactly that.

Jennifer says there are some great deals if you know where to look and cautions people of those “free” device offers that actually lock you into a two-year contract and end up costing $150-$300 more than the upfront price of the phone.

For a better option, take a look at Total by Verizon’s Holiday Deal: Now through the end of the year, people who switch to one of Total by Verizon’s Unlimited plans will get a free Samsung Galaxy A13 5G phone, for free, no strings attached. The Galaxy A13 offers quick, virtually lag-free downloading and streaming with awesome connectivity and a long-lasting battery that charges up fast. Your loved ones can use their new smartphone to capture holiday memories on video or photo using the high-res triple camera. Best of all, you can add four lines for $25 per line with Auto Pay. For more information, visit TotalbyVerizon.com.

3. Bluetooth Speaker

Audiophiles, rejoice! With a portable Bluetooth speaker, music lovers can enjoy their favorite beats while relaxing at home, out with their buddies, or anywhere they want to get their groove on. Make sure to look for dustproof and water-resistant models so your loved one doesn’t have to worry about using their new favorite gadget in the great outdoors.

4. VR glasses

For those in your life who value a truly immersive experience, virtual reality (VR) glasses are a must. You can choose from high-end options for at-home use or mobile options that work with a user’s smartphone so they can slip into the virtual world wherever, whenever. Whether they choose to explore virtual worlds, visit exotic locations or play immersive games, they can do it all with this handy gift.

5. Portable power bank

Make sure your loved ones can stay connected by gifting them a power bank. A powerful portable power bank is one of the most practical tech items you can gift a friend or family member this season. A power bank allows them to charge nearly any electronic product at home, in the office or when traveling by car, train or plane.

Jolly Holidays!

2023-12-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Amidst the many New Year’s Resolutions families set at the top of the year, creating household safety habits and ensuring preparation in an emergency should be at the top. With the CDC reporting 48% of Americans do not have first aid kits and 52% of Americans do not have copies of crucial personal documents, it’s evident Americans have a lot of work to do to ensure family members are knowledgeable and have safety plans in place.

This year, to ensure safety is a top priority, check out these five important actions to help keep your family safe.

1. Create a home safety checklist

A comprehensive home safety checklist helps create a home environment that promotes security and peace of mind. The checklist should include checking smoke and CO detectors, including changing out batteries, locking windows, ensuring fire extinguishers are readily available in the kitchen and other shared spaces, and properly storing household chemicals like cleaning products. Regularly review and update this checklist.

2. Enroll in hands-free safety services

Did you know only 28.7% of U.S. households have a landline? Without a landline, it can be difficult to contact emergency services, especially for young children. However, technology can be a valuable ally. The new personal and family safety subscription Alexa Emergency Assist allows anyone in the home to use their voice to call for help, giving more peace of mind with fast access to urgent response agents 24/7 365 days a year — without having to search for your phone in the time of an emergency.

When you say, “Alexa, call for help” on an Echo device, including an Echo Kids device, you will be connected to a dedicated, professionally trained agent who can request dispatch of police, fire, or ambulance, avoiding potentially long call hold or wait times.

Agents also have access to pre-saved critical information during the call — like your home address, medications, or allergies — saving time spent collecting information on the call and allowing first responders to be thoroughly prepared when they arrive at your home. The Urgent Response agent can also stay on the line with you until help arrives.

3. Teach personal safety habits

Encourage and empower your family members to develop personal safety habits. Emphasize the importance of staying aware of surroundings, exercising caution when speaking with strangers, and practicing basic self-defense techniques.

When talking with your family about safety habits, underscore the importance of paying attention to smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and to never ignore them. If you subscribe to Alexa Emergency Assist, Smart Alerts allow Alexa to detect signs of trouble — like if your smoke or CO alarm is ringing — and will notify you so you can take action whether you’re at home or away.

Don’t forget to highlight the importance of trusting your instincts and foster open communication so everyone feels comfortable voicing their concerns. By learning and practicing personal safety habits, you’ll equip your loved ones (and yourself!) with the tools they need to confidently navigate changing situations.

4. Develop a trusted network

When it comes to keeping your family safe, you don’t have to do it alone. Cultivate relationships with neighbors, friends, extended family, and community members to build a strong mutual support network. A network of trusted individuals is an invaluable resource that can help provide assistance during times of need.

If you subscribe to Alexa Emergency Assist, you can quickly notify your network in case of an emergency. The Emergency Contacts feature allows you to save up to 25 family members, friends, or loved ones to be automatically notified and informed when a call is placed to Urgent Response. A reliable network not only improves your family’s safety, it also fosters a sense of belonging and community.

5. Create an emergency plan

A detailed and thorough emergency plan can make a huge difference in a crisis. Sit down with your family to discuss evacuation routes, emergency contact numbers, and designated meeting points. Talk about each family member’s responsibilities during different types of emergencies. Even young children and teens have a role to play in an emergency, just by taking care of themselves.

Once you have a plan in place, review and practice the plan so everyone is familiar with the procedures in case of an emergency. By preparing for unexpected moments, you’ll foster a sense of security and resilience.

Use these five tips to kick-start the new year with a focus on family safety. In doing so, you’re laying the foundation for a safe and secure future and creating peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

2023-12-12T08:01:01

(BPT) – Family vacations aren’t just a break from the daily grind or routine, they’re also an opportunity to enjoy fun experiences together to build connection and try new things to make memories that will last a lifetime. Has it been a while since your family’s had a vacation? It may be time to start planning a weekend getaway for 2024! While planning a vacation for the whole family is easier said than done, here are five tips to plan your next family getaway effortlessly.

1. Choose the right destination

Before you can truly start planning your weekend trip in earnest, you’ll need to pick a location. When picking a vacation destination, consider your method of travel and if stopovers are required, the distance, necessary visas, and paperwork, as well as your family’s preferred climate.

You’ll also need to take into account everyone’s interests. For example, if one or more of your family members has a passion for theater, pick a city with a thriving arts and entertainment scene. Or, for thrill seekers, choose a location with a theme park. Need a sunny, warm getaway from your home’s winter weather? Look for a beach resort. No matter where you choose to vacation, factoring in everyone’s preferences will ensure the destination has something for all.

2. Book family-friendly accommodations

Now that you know where you’re going, you’ll need to set up accommodations. It’s crucial to look for family-friendly hotels or resorts with plenty of amenities, including spacious rooms, kid-friendly activities, and maybe even a pool or playground. Always check online reviews to make sure that the accommodations listed on the hotel’s website meet travelers’ expectations.

Once you’ve chosen a hotel, don’t wait to book. Securing a room in advance removes the hassle and any last-minute scrambling during peak travel season.

Give yourself the flexibility of booking your family adventure your way by using Citi Travel with Booking.com. With a selection of 1.4 million hotels and hundreds of thousands of attractions, this convenient booking platform allows eligible Citi® cardmembers to book hotels, air travel, car rentals, and attractions all in one place. To learn more, please visit ThankYou.com.

3. Pack wisely

One way to reduce pre-travel stress is by packing efficiently for your vacation. Your luggage checklists should include weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, special items for planned activities, important travel documents like IDs, travel insurance, and essential medical information.

When traveling with little ones, you may need to tote bulky items, such as strollers, playpens, and bouncers. Consider popular baby equipment rental services that provide a hassle-free solution for travelers dealing with baggage restrictions.

4. Create an itinerary, but leave room for discovery

To make the most of your trip, build out a rough itinerary to hit your family’s priority events and attractions. Planning a mix of activities, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, as well as scheduled downtime will keep the vacation fresh and entertaining for everyone. Make sure to leave room to discover local spots along the way. When compiling your itinerary, make sure to research local attractions and purchase tickets in advance. If you have an eligible Citi® credit card, you can book attractions across the globe with the Citi Travel™ site. Heading to Chicago? Secure a reservation for the Chicago Architecture River Cruise. Dreaming of a long weekend in the Big Apple? Look into passes for the Manhattan Sky Tour and New York Helicopter Flight. Are you an outdoorsy group? The Grand Canyon Guided Tour would be a perfect addition. Wherever you roam, you can book your trip on the Citi Travel™ site and easily compare your options to find the perfect activities for your family.

5. Share responsibilities

You don’t have to (& shouldn’t!) do all the trip planning on your own. Before the trip, lighten the load by assigning responsibilities to each family member. Someone can be in charge of organizing the group to and from planned events, another can be responsible for always keeping snacks on hand, and another can keep everyone on track with the itinerary. This collaborative approach not only relieves any overwhelming stress, but also ensures everyone feels involved!

Are you ready to go on your next family vacation? Use these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to planning a trip your family will remember for years to come.

2023-12-12T11:01:01

(BPT) – This winter is anticipated to be a significantly wet one due to the climate phenomenon known as El Niño. Developing over the summer, this year’s El Niño event is forecasted to be notably strong and expected to intensify, increasing the likelihood of a wetter-than-average winter.

El Niño is a weather pattern characterized by abnormally warm ocean temperatures around the equator in the Pacific Ocean. For the United States, typical El Niño weather translates to an increase in rainfall for the South and West, increasing the potential for water damage and flooding in these areas.

“Water damage is one of the most common claims filed by homeowners and becomes a huge concern when dealing with these types of storms,” said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims for Mercury Insurance. “The intensity of a storm can impact the structural integrity of houses and wreak absolute havoc on personal property.”

Homeowners insurance does not generally cover flood and mudslide damage, so property owners should do some research to find out if their home is located in a flood plain. If so, you may want to look into purchasing national flood insurance if you are in a high-risk area.

It’s also crucial for homeowners to consider the increased precipitation risk factor in drought-stricken or wildfire-affected areas, due to their potential for mudslides and flash flooding.

“Homeowners need to regularly review their policies to ensure that their home care needs are met and familiarize themselves with what types of damages will be covered,” said Lee. “It’s important to research on flood zones and potential mudslides in your area and talk to your insurance agent about your concerns and protection options.”

Knowing that there is a high probability for persistent rainfall this winter, homeowners should take preventative measures to protect themselves against damages that can occur. Lee suggests the following tips to help minimize water and wind damage to your home and property:

• Sign up for severe weather alerts to stay informed on an El Niño weather-related event.
• While the weather is dry, consider hiring a professional home inspector to evaluate your home. Homeowners insurance will not cover the cost of repairing pre-existing conditions, so cover your bases and address these issues before they lead to bigger problems.
• Inspect window and door seals and make any necessary repairs to prevent potential water damage. Door seals should also be inspected. Strong winds can easily shatter glass, inviting debris and water into your home. Weak seals and small leaks can create bigger issues if the water gets into the walls.
• Evaluate your roof. The roof of your home is an important barrier that protects your property from wind and rain. Walk through your home and check your ceilings and walls for any leaks, water rings or mold spots that might indicate possible roof damage and address any issues immediately. Have the exterior of your roof inspected for missing shingles, holes or weak spots by a licensed contractor.
• Check gutters and downspouts and make sure they are clear of debris to maintain proper drainage.
• Perform routine property maintenance like tree trimming and clearing away dead branches to mitigate roof and gutter damage from severe weather.
• Keep an updated record of your personal property for insurance purposes.
• If your home is situated in a flood plain, consider purchasing flood insurance.
• Consider adding a standby or portable generator to help keep electricity on to run essential appliances, A/C and some lights.
• Establish a family disaster plan and create emergency kits in case you need to evacuate in the event of severe weather conditions.
• Regularly review your homeowner’s insurance policy with your agent to understand what is covered.

Also consider joining your local community’s resource group for additional support.

If your home sustains damage after a severe weather-related event, contact your insurance carrier or agent immediately and file a homeowners claim. If your property has sustained damage from a flood or mudflow and you have flood insurance, file a separate claim under your flood insurance. Evaluate and document all damages in the event that rain or wind causes destruction on your property to help the claim process move forward smoothly.

“Save yourself from any headache and hassle and make the necessary maintenance and repairs you need before inclement weather hits,” said Lee. “A few simple measures can reduce repair costs and may pay off big time in the long run.”

2023-12-12T14:11:00

(BPT) – What if you could give a gift that loved ones would use every day? Something that would enhance their well-being and comfort with a touch of luxury. Such a unicorn gift does exist: bidet seats.

The average person visits the bathroom multiple times a day and spends more than 90 minutes on the toilet a week. Bidet seats enhance this time, plus their popularity has soared since the pandemic, with people putting a new focus on personal hygiene, luxury at home, and overall self-care.

For years, you could only find bidets in high-end spas and hotels, but more people are upgrading their bathrooms by adding bidets into their homes. Bidet seats come with a wide range of features from basic attachments with cold water to high-tech electronic bidet seats like the line of WASHLETs from TOTO with temperature-controlled warm-water cleansing, heated seats, personal drying, and more.

A bidet seat is the unexpected gift that will thrill your loved ones and totally change their daily routines. Easy to install, TOTO’s line of WASHLET bidet seats are perfect for a variety of people, and with models starting under $500, there is one for everyone on your gift list.

The new homeowner or renter: Bidet seats fit most standard toilets and are easy to install without the need for a plumber. They are great for homeowners and renters looking to transform their bathroom by adding elements of luxury. Installation is as easy as changing out your toilet seat. One option to consider is the WASHLET C2, which has variable air drying, automatic air deodorizer, automatic EWATER+ (electrolyzed water) wand cleaning and bowl PREMIST to keep the toilet cleaner.

The expecting/new parents: Pregnancy can make it awkward to use the bathroom. And post-partum care and cleansing can be a real challenge. TOTO WASHLET bidets offer moms a warm seat and personalized cleansing options that provide gentle warm water cleansing and drying without the strain of trying to reach to wipe with harsh toilet paper. Plus, bidets can soothe inflammation and soreness, and reduce the risks of concerns like UTIs. Moms and dads will love the WASHLET C5 that has dual action spray with oscillating and pulsating water massage features, slim wireless remote and on-demand wand cleaning with EWATER+ option.

The self-care king/hygiene queen: More doctors are recommending washing with water for numerous health benefits. Using a TOTO WASHLET bidet seat is more hygienic and comfortable than toilet paper, offering unparalleled confidence and cleanliness without the itch and discomfort that can come with toilet paper. Using a bidet can even help reduce and ease hemorrhoids and help with issues like Crohn’s disease or IBS. Consider the WASHLET S7 for continuous warm water and energy savings, four users’ personalized memory settings, night light, seamless seat design and automatic open/close lid.

Gifts for environmentally conscious: Bidet seats provide comfort and cleansing while using 75% less toilet paper. Eliminating just one roll of toilet paper saves 37 gallons of water, according to Scientific American. Self-cleaning features reduce the need for frequent cleaning and the use of harsh chemicals. Adding a WASHLET bidet seat to a low-flow, water-saving toilet can make a significant difference in your household’s water consumption. Also, TOTO does not just make sustainable products, it is a global leader in sustainability practices.

Gifts for the traveler/person on the go: People are back in travel mode and want to feel their best whether they’re going near or far. The Travel WASHLET provides a portable, personal version of TOTO’s popular bidet technology for when you are away from the comforts of home or in a less than ideal restroom situation.

Whether a special gift to a loved one or a gift to yourself, adding a bidet seat to an existing toilet is a quick DIY way to turn a bathroom into a personal sanctuary. This accessible luxury provides comfort and hygiene and makes self-care a priority all year long.

2023-12-12T13:31:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a great opportunity to encourage your child’s creative spirit. However, cleaning up after your little one’s masterpieces can sometimes be tedious. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between letting your budding artist color creatively or a clean home. This holiday season, Crayola is here to help reduce cleanup with its mess-free Color Wonder products. In fact, the Crayola Color Wonder line is the #1 Brand in Marker Paper systems, according to the Numerator Color Wonder 2023 study.

With the Color Wonder markers to paper technology, the markers only show up on specially formulated Color Wonder paper, not on skin, clothing or furniture. This means no stains on surfaces not meant to be used as a canvas. Color Wonder encourages creative freedom, keeping kids busy and engaged while allowing hands-off play for parents. Kids can now explore their artistic side and parents can let them create without worry! Check out three of the latest and greatest mess-free holiday presents perfect for your emerging artist.

1. Crayola Color Wonder Fingerprint Activity Book

Your mini-Picasso can get hands-on with their art using the Color Wonder Fingerprint Activity Book, a new, mess-free way to fingerpaint! The kit offers all the fun of fingerpainting without the messy color mixing or need to wash hands in between colors! Each set comes with an ink pad tray inclusive of five assorted ink colors and a 27-page activity book.

2. Crayola Color Wonder Activity Pads

Take the magic of mess-free creations on the road with Color Wonder Activity Pads! As found in all Color Wonder line products, markers will only reveal color on the specially formulated Color Wonder paper. Your kids will be excited knowing they can take their favorite characters like Spidey & His Amazing Friends, Paw Patrol and Disney Princesses on every car, plane or train trip. Each spiral-bound coloring pad offers 16 coloring pages, three Color Wonder Markers and marker storage.

3. Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Pages & Markers

Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Pages & Markers are great for keeping kids busy and creating all holiday season long. The envelope-style packaging doubles as a unique storage solution, keeping markers and coloring pages all in the same place and allowing coloring activities to be taken on-the-go or used at home. Available in kids’ favorite characters, like Bluey!

Gifts for the holidays and year-round!

These Color Wonder products are three of many great mess-free products Crayola has to offer. Beyond the holiday season, Color Wonder makes for excellent presents year-round, thanks to the convenience, creative fun and kid-favorite characters. According to Crayola, nine in 10 shoppers shared that they planned to purchase again after buying, using and loving their Color Wonder set.

Breathe easy this holiday season with Crayola Color Wonder mess-free gifts. Best of all, kids will love them just as much as their parents! Find Color Wonder and other favorite Crayola products at Walmart, Amazon, Target and additional retailers nationwide.

2023-12-11T13:34:10

(BPT) – When it comes to language development in young children, there is no substitute for genuine human interaction. Whether it occurs within the nurturing confines of home or at preschool, talking and engaging with children in conversation from infancy through school age plays a vital role in their linguistic growth and is an integral part in the curriculum at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care.

Here are some easy yet effective ways Kiddie Academy recommends that parents can engage their child in conversation at any age:

1. Conversational Approach — Talking to infants and young children as if engaging in a conversation can have a profound impact on their language development. By pausing and allowing them time to respond, we encourage their active participation. For instance, noticing signs of fatigue, we might say, “I see you starting to yawn, are you tired? It looks like it might be time for you to take your nap.” This conversational style not only helps children understand the rhythm and patterns of communication but also instills confidence in their ability to express themselves.

2. Descriptive Language — Taking the time to describe the world around children can greatly enhance their vocabulary and understanding. By pointing out specific details and using descriptive language, we expand their knowledge and help them foster a deeper connection with their environment. For example, we might say, “I notice you have your blue shoes with you today. Let’s put them on before we go outside. Let’s start with your right foot, then we will move to your left foot. These shoes are great for running.” Such interactions promote language comprehension and allow children to associate words with concrete objects and experiences.

3. The Power of Reading — Regularly reading to children is an effective method for building vocabulary and improving language skills. By exposing young minds to a variety of words, sentence structures and storytelling techniques, we stimulate their imagination and expand their linguistic repertoire. Engaging children in discussions about the story or asking open-ended questions can further enhance their comprehension and critical-thinking abilities. Making reading a cherished activity from an early age sets the stage for a lifelong love of books and learning.

4. Discouraging Baby Talk — As children progress into preschool age, it is crucial to discourage baby talk and instead encourage the use of their “big kid voice.” By consistently modeling proper language usage and reinforcing your children’s efforts to communicate effectively, we empower them to express themselves clearly and confidently. Praising their attempts to use more advanced language skills helps them understand the value of articulation and encourages further linguistic growth.

5. Embracing Multilingualism — Exposing children to more than one language from birth to 3 years old can provide numerous cognitive benefits. Contrary to popular belief, young children have an incredible capacity to learn multiple languages simultaneously. By immersing them in a bilingual or multilingual environment, we not only broaden their cultural horizons but also enhance their cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills and overall linguistic competence.

Remember, every interaction is a chance to enhance a child’s linguistic abilities and lay the foundation for a lifetime of effective communication.

For more information and advice, check out the article, Here’s How to Master Parentese and Leave Baby Talk Behind at msn.com.

2023-12-11T14:54:28

(BPT) – During the holidays, hearts are filled with warmth and the spirit of giving. It’s a time to cherish moments with loved ones and reflect on all of life’s positive aspects. While it’s common for families to focus on feasts and football games this time of year, there’s a deeper layer that is often overlooked — the opportunity to instill meaningful values in children.

This holiday season is the perfect time to nurture your little one’s empathy, generosity, compassion and gratitude.

Here are four ways, suggested by Joy Turner, Kiddie Academy^® Educational Child Care vice president of education, that parents can seize the holiday spirit and inspire it year round.

Discuss the reason for the season

Amid the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it’s easy to forget the true meaning behind celebrations. Take some time this year to discuss what really makes this season special — quality time with loved ones and meaningful traditions.

Consider holiday traditions you loved as a child and how you can share them with your own family. Maybe there’s a special recipe, craft or family outing that you always looked forward to. You can also use the occasion to create new traditions — this is a great opportunity to connect your children to their culture and family and foster a deeper sense of self.

Conversations and traditions can help children understand the historical, cultural and familial significance of holidays while creating cherished memories and an appreciation for the season.

Encourage acts of kindness

Encouraging children to perform acts of kindness is a great way to teach compassion and empathy.

Try striking up a family conversation about different ways you can show thoughtfulness to others, and invite your children to be active participants. After discussing, challenge them to put their ideas into action — it can be as simple as sharing their toys with siblings or friends or making homemade cards for a local nursing home. Including little ones in the planning process and acting on their ideas ignites a desire to help others and provides a great way to unite and make a difference as a family.

Alternately, reach out to organizations or charities that need extra help during this season and ask how your young child can support their cause. Family Promise and Meals on Wheels are two examples of national organizations to get involved with.

Fostering these practices of kindness builds children’s self-esteem and instills values that will last far beyond the holiday season.

Redefine gift giving

Inspire your children to actively participate in the gift-giving process — which doesn’t always have to include a physical object such as a toy or a gift.

Giving can also involve discovering methods to bring joy to others through acts of kindness. For example, teach your children that they can display generosity by helping someone build their block tower or soothing a friend who’s sad.

Inviting your child to participate in these types of kind gestures will instill empathy and emphasize the significance and impact that performing acts of kindness can have on others.

Practice gratitude

Conversations of gratitude are often put off until families are gathered around the table. Instead, try to make it a daily activity and kick off a family thankfulness practice. One simple way to do this is by making gratitude jars with your little ones:

• Collect empty jars or containers around your home and decorate them with any craft items you can find: stickers, tissue paper, magazine clippings, popsicle sticks, buttons or even photos. Don’t forget to include a lid with an opening.
• Next, cut paper slips that fold small enough to fit through the opening.
• Once your container is complete, set your gratitude process — try keeping the jar on your children’s nightstands to develop an easy pre-bedtime activity.
• Encourage your children to write down one thing they are thankful for each day and add it to their jar.

This custom helps children develop an attitude for gratitude and appreciation for all that they have in life. Over time, the practice will become a valuable habit that will continue to serve your children long after the holiday feasts have been eaten.