Hurray for Creativity

We all at one point or another feel over stimulated or overwhelmed.  Children today seem to be the bigger victims as they are naturally drawn towards overstimulation, whether it is in the use of modern technology, or an over-active schedule.  Parents have often complained to me that their child is "always bored".  Many of our children are unable to sustain an activity for too long, or more tragically, are unable to create their own play and stimulate themselves.  They are growing more and more dependent on technology, or on their parents creating activities for them.
As someone who is pro-planning and organization, I can sympathize with parents who have strict activity and play schedules for their children.  We do, however, need to be very careful not too overwhelm our children.

• Try to provide time outdoors without a planned activity, or go swimming without the usual gadgets.  The use of sand and water is an excellent way to encourage imaginary play and creativity.

• Indoors: Encourage your child to share his toys with his friends (and vice versa), and see how children can play differently and learn from each other.

• Some children will whine and complaint, as we are all creatures of habit, so do become a role model and come up with creative games to play.  You can also ask your child to come up with his/her own game.  It also helps if there is more than one child playing (siblings, cousins or friends can join).

• Use nature as an inspiration: you can use stones and rocks to make shapes and letters, go bird watching, or track insects and plants.  

• Unstructured and free play time can be completely non-verbal, and as such is encouraging for children who are more introverted, or verbally less confident.  It can also be a great release for children who are more active.  

• lastly, do not be afraid to let your child make a mess and get dirty every now and then. 

Anything cuter that this?

A world of Discovery

As the current poll suggests, I wanted to spend some time exploring activity options in Kuwait.  My first thought went straight to Discovery Mall.  The promise of a "developmental center for kids" made this a must-see!

As a space, Discovery Mall is organized and spacious, but does not necessarily have a child friendly, developmental or fun vibe to it as a whole.  Granted I am not an architect nor a designer, and perhaps I had my hopes up too high.

Having said that, there are enough child-friendly spaces within it to warrant it an excellent choice for parents with kids of all ages to go.  I will show you a break-down of my favorite spots, with age appropriateness.

Lets start with My Gym.  I absolutely LOVED this place.  I took a special little man with me and saw it in action (see picture below).  I would recommend the structured play for beginners (parent participation class).  There is a very enthusiastic instructor, who leads the kids during circle time, she also allows you to see all the materials that you could use within the gym.

The programs include:

• Structured/parent participation class
• Martial Arts and Karate classes
• Free Play- this is an opportunity for you to organize a play date with other parents kids.  As it is unstructured, if you are alone it is similar to playing at home.  But for those parents who have limited space at home for a play area, this is wonderful too.
• My Gym Camp
• My Gym Art-  Which many people do not know about as it is in an adjacent space.  Great space to play and create.

AGES: 6 weeks-13 years!

I am a stickler for safety!

Little man having a blast!

Next is a very cool space called:

Kuwait Flight Simulation Center  This center apparently caters to amateur and professional pilots.  For amateurs, the youngest age allowed is 13 years of age.  The place looks very intriguing and if I had the time, I would have strapped my self in and tried it.  For you parents who want an indoor space that your teenager might like, this is a great option!

AGES: 13+ (including adults)














The basement at Discovery Mall, also has a mini golf facility- Golfania.  The lighting was not very good, so I decided not to put any of the photos I took.  But again, great option for something indoors, active.  I could not find their website, but you can follow them on twitter @golfania2010.


AGE:  There was no sign about age that I could see, but obviously I would say no unattended young kids, and only bring kids that are able to play, and not run around trying to catch the ball with their hand:P


The top floor had many options as well, including:

Cozmo Bowling- which also has some air-hockey and pool tables.  This can be a great "family time" option, as it caters to most ages (not your tiny ones of course).

AGE: As soon as your child can swing that ball.

Goal!  an indoor football field, which is excellent!  The website is very professional and has information on all their activities, which include:
Goal ! Parties
Goal! Academy
Goal! Club

AGE: Depends on the activity.  Check their website.

PLAY, or PLAYTIME, is an indoor area for kids under 5.  It looked interesting from a distance, but I will have to see it when they have kids inside.

AGE: under 5

There are other areas and things to do at Discovery Mall, but these are the ones that caught my eye...


NOTE:  
As soon as I walked in Discovery Mall a sign caught my eye, but I will brief you on this wonderful club in a post very very soon!!!

To fight or not to fight?

                                          

One of my favorite health blogs, is National Public Radio's (NPR) blog,  SHOTS.  An article entitled "Pediatricians Put The Kibosh On Boxing", caught my attention.  It explained the dangers of boxing as a sport for kids.  The writer noted:

Citing the risk of injuries, including concussions, the American Academy of Pediatrics and its Canadian counterpart, the Canadian Paedeatric Society, have come out in opposition to boxing as a sport for children and adolescents.  Pediatricians should strongly discourage parents from letting their kids box and suggest sports "that do not encourage intentional head injuries," says a new policy statement from the two national groups for pediatricians. (link)

One might wonder, does that mean all combat sports are bad?  

There is never a right or wrong answer because these things are relative; it depends on how the sport is taught, which combat sport it is, what the child is like (aggressive vs. calm), the child's age, the guidelines established at home, the instructor's methods, etc.  I would argue, however, that the critical point here is intent.  Sports like taekwondo and Karate are fighting/combat sports, but many instructors focus on the self-discipline aspect, and do not encourage fighting aimlessly.  Boxing and wrestling, at least in my eyes, seem to carry the intent to harm, and children watching and practicing these sports, tend to act-out the sport more often. 

There is merit to some of these combat sports.  Children can build strong self-esteem and courage based on the experience.  With martial arts, many instructors focus on discipline, and an understanding of the body and mind.  They teach children to think before they act.  But the fact remains that it is a form of fighting, and some children are encouraged to rough play at home with their siblings and sometimes fathers.  Without proper guidelines, these children may transfer these lessons to the schoolyard and classroom. 

                                                    

What are your experiences?  

Disciplined... Part 1

Structure is an essential part of a child's development.  It allows the child to have a sense of predictability and stability which nurtures his sense of security.  Rewards and punishments teach the child about consequences of actions, allowing the child to act after consideration rather than impulsively. Establishing rules and guidelines may be difficult in the beginning, and here are some tips about one aspect of discipline:

Rewards

Rewards should be immediate.  A reward far off in the future is neither enticing nor motivating.  Children can tolerate and should tolerate waiting, but creating a token system for a future reward is more effective than a verbal promise. (i.e. collecting point, stickers, etc).

For younger children explain very clearly why the reward was given, the more specific you are, the more likely it is that the child will repeat that specific behavior.

Do not assume the child has not learned if s/he does not repeat the rewarded behavior.  Consistency, repetition and persistence are essential, especially when dealing with special needs children.

Use one-on-one rewards when targeting embarrassing or personal goals. (i.e. age inappropriate toilet training, hygiene, relationship problems).   

Try to be creative with your rewards.  Find activities and experiences that you can reward with, rather than focusing on materialistic rewards. For example, 15 minutes of one-on-one play with your child (a game of their choice), allowing them choose their favorite dish for dinner, bake cookies, or make popcorn and watch T.V. together.  For bigger rewards, these could include organizing an outing, having friends over, or allowing them extra privileges.    

Express your love and pride for your child generously

Play Poll Results

As one poll closes another opens:P

Most of you reported playing with your child DAILY! A round of applause for all of you... So why is it hard for some parents to play?

Well, with older children it becomes much more difficult to find the time, or relate to their interests.  Try alternating between what they would like to play and what you would like to by teaching them a new game.  Cards and board games are usually fun and enjoyable for both adults and kids.  I am on the look-out for the best places to find board games in Kuwait... (I am BIG fan of board games)

There are also some parents who have difficulty "letting go" and being silly.  It is understandable.  Try initially to do the activities you are more comfortable with, like putting nail polish on your little girl, or hide and seek with your son.  Arts and crafts or baking are also fun activities that can still be considered play without requiring a large dose of silliness.  You may want to try active games like jump rope, balloon and ball games as well as swimming.

For parents who have difficulty finding the time, especially fathers, don't fret.  Use driving time to play things like word games (e.g. find the names of cities/cars/other starting with the letter "N").  Play a game with all the family instead of one-on-one.  Find short fun games before their bed-time routine, like "the staring game" where you win if you do not blink or "straight face game" of not laughing no matter how silly the other person is.  

Remember to have fun! Your child will be happiest when you are happy.

Have a love-filled day and take the time to vote on the new poll :)  

Educational toys

Every opportunity is a learning opportunity... Use this Eid holiday to practice spelling, shapes or numbers in a playful manner.  Try writing on sand in the shaleah, or in water while bathing or swimming, and talk about colors by naming cars passing by while you're driving.  Use fingers, toes, sticks to make the most of your children's muscle memory.  You can also enhance their creativity by using dry pasta, nuts, and any materials you have in your house.  You end up playing and teaching without having to deal with the "homework nightmare".

For educational toys and games, one of my favorite places to go to in Kuwait is Early learning Center (ELC).  I have often used their items in my therapy sessions at Soor Center.

There are four different locations in Kuwait:

Avenues- Kuwait - ELC Al Rai Area Avenues - Debenhams, ELC State of Kuwait

Opp Al Fanar Mall Opp Al Fanar Mall Al Salmiya, Kuwait Tel: 00 965 571 2559 00 965 571 2566 Fax: 00 965 571 2545

Rawda Co-Op Al Rawda Co-Op Rawda, Kuwait Tel: 00965 2560458 00965 2560459

The AVENUES- Kuwait Al Rai Area State of Kuwait Tel: 00965 4954646 Fax: 00965 4954643

PLAY

Nothing's more special and enjoyable than hearing the sound of laughter... Unleash your inner child and find intuitive and innovative ways to play.  Research has often supported the vital role of play in children's cognitive, emotional, social, physical and linguistic development.

Play can be: 

Physical through sports or games like "catchers"

Educational through the use of puzzles, books and educational games

Creative through the use of acting, art or music
Nurturing though tickles and massages

Most importantly, play is expressive.  It unleashes your child's inner thoughts and feelings and is a fun loving way to interact with your child.

Good night... playful dreams...