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Back to school
August 4, 2022 by admin 0 Comments

Tips to Get Your Kids Excited About Going Back to School

Now that summer is winding down and the back-to-school season is just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to get your family ready for a new year. 

Kids going back to school after a long summer break can be tough. They have to say goodbye to their friends, get used to a new schedule, and start learning new material. For some kids, the transition is seamless. But for others, it can be a challenge to get back into the swing of things.

If you’re wondering how to get my children excited for school, check out our tips to make the transition smoother for both you and your child.

Buy New School Gear and Supplies

Nothing says “back to school” like a brand new backpack, lunchbox, and set of crayons. Let your kids pick out their own supplies as they’ll be more likely to use them if they’re items that they chose themselves. 

Purchasing school gear doesn’t mean you have to break the bank, but a few new supplies can help your child to feel more prepared for the upcoming school season.

Plan Play Dates With Friends Before School Starts

Getting together with friends is a great way to kick-start that back-to-school excitement. Organize a few play dates before the first day of school so that your kids can catch up with their buddies and ease into social mode. 

This will also help them remember how much fun they have with their classmates and get them excited to see them again every day at school. 

Visit the School

If your child is starting at a new school, it’s a good idea to take a tour of the campus together to help ease the transition. By doing this, kids can get to know their teachers and see where their classrooms will be ahead of time. Knowing what to expect on the first day of school can calm any anxiety they may be feeling. 

Create a Homework Nook

Another way to get your kids excited about school is to create a special homework nook at home. This will serve as their designated space to focus on their work and get it done more efficiently. By creating a fun study zone, kids will associate homework time with positive vibes instead of stress. 

Create a Wish Jar

One fun way to help kids set goals and reflect on their progress at the end of the school year is to create a wish jar. All you’ll need is a small mason jar and some strips of paper. 

On each piece of paper, have your child write down one wish or goal for the upcoming school year. Then at the end of the year, go through the papers and see how many of their wishes came true! 

This activity is a great way to encourage kids to think about what they want to achieve and it’s nice to look back on the year to see all the progress that was made.

As summer comes to a close and the kids start heading back to school, it can be a bit of a challenge to get them excited about the new year. With a little bit of preparation and by following these back-to-school tips for parents, you can make the shift to the classroom smoother for everyone involved!

To make the most of the last few weeks of vacation, squeeze in a playdate here at Jumbaloo Playground. Call us today at 905-785-3990 or book your family’s visit online!

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July 6, 2022 by admin 0 Comments

Turning Your Backyard Into a Summer Camp

School’s out for the summer, and you might be wondering what you’re going to do to keep the kids occupied and happy for the next few months. Summer camps book up fast, and if you don’t have a spot reserved already, you may be out of luck. You might even start wondering how you can start a summer camp for kids, yourself!

Fortunately, even if you don’t have your kids signed up for summer camp, yet, you can still give them the experience of a camp at home! This can be a great idea if you’re looking for a fun way to spend the summer with your kids, or if a few families get together to multiply the fun. Regardless of which direction you go, here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Plan Team-Building Activities

One of the best parts of camp is meeting and having fun with all your fellow campers! You can capture that same spirit at home. A good place to start is by naming your camp. Brainstorm ideas and come up with a name that everyone can support. Having a great name really makes everyone feel as if they’re a part of something special.

You can also create camp flags, t-shirts, and anything else that you think will elevate the experience for the kids. 

Once you’ve set up your camp, it’s time to try some team-building activities. These will help everyone feel more comfortable with one another and set the tone for the fun you’re going to have. Some great ideas include a team obstacle course, a scavenger hunt, a game of dodgeball, a trivia game, and much more. 

Try to think of activities that will get the kids working together towards a common goal, rather than competing with one another.

Come Up With Camp-Like Art Projects

One of the most fun parts of summer camp for kids is doing arts and crafts projects, and you can do a lot of these at home! Break out the markers, crayons, construction paper, glue, glitter, paint, and anything else you can think of and start making some crafts.

Some fun and simple ideas include painting rocks with camp-themed designs, filling water pistols with paint and spraying a canvas to create art, tie-dyeing t-shirts, making bird feeders with pine cones, and drawing giant murals with sidewalk chalk.

Play Camp Games

There are lots of great games that kids can play in the backyard to make it feel just like summer camp. Frisbee, outdoor checkers, giant tic tac toe, ring toss, and much more. You can even get truly adventurous and put together a water balloon fight — at your own risk, of course!

Have a Bonfire, Tell Stories and Sing Songs

Nothing makes for a better camp experience than having a campfire, and your backyard may be the perfect place to do it! Before you do, be sure to check local laws and regulations to see if this is allowed. If it’s not, you can still sit around on rocks or logs outside and still get most of the experience.

Put together some campfire snacks (marshmallows, popcorn, etc.) and sing some of your favourite camp songs. You might even want to change a few of the lyrics to better suit your situation or just to make everyone laugh. Take turns singing songs, telling stories, or playing word games. It’s a great way to celebrate outdoors!

Looking for a break from the backyard this summer, or out of summer camp ideas? Jumbaloo Playgrounds is a safe and fun environment where children can play, get physical activity, and have a great time. Call us today at 905-785-3990 or book your family’s visit online, today!

 

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July 6, 2022 by admin 0 Comments

How To Ensure Your Kids Keep Learning Even in the Summer

Every kid loves summer due to the wealth of fun activities and exciting new opportunities. Of course, one of the biggest perks for many children is that they have a few months away from school. But the summer break doesn’t need to be a break from learning and development.

Make time for reading (even if it’s just for 15 – 30 minutes a day)

Improving reading skills is an important part of childhood development, so any summer learning efforts should include some dedicated reading time each and every day.

This reading break doesn’t have to take much time out of the day — just 15 to 20 minutes will do fine. If your child has trouble with this, try letting them choose their own reading material. Children do best when they’re reading something genuinely engaging to themselves.

Plan fun activities that incorporate math

There are plenty of summer activities that are both fun and educational. Take some time to plan some that can help foster your child’s math skills — traditional card games, board games, and other rainy-day activities that can do just that.

Building a better understanding of summer sports can also help develop numeracy. You could try bringing your child to a Blue Jays game and encourage them to follow the score. It’s not exactly sophisticated algebra, but it helps internalize understanding.

Encourage creative writing (on inclement weather days instead of resorting to a screen)

Developing creativity is incredibly important for learning. Encouraging your children to try creative activities like writing, drawing, painting, or anything else where they produce something original can have great results.

These activities can be beneficial for children of all ages. While younger children might appear to struggle, this is part of the learning process. Be patient and give them the time they need. With your support, you may be amazed by how creative your child can be.

Take a trip to a museum of their choice

Visiting a museum is a great summer activity for children. Today, most museums have exhibits geared towards children, with interactive elements that make learning fun.

Depending on where you are, there could be any number of unique educational opportunities. Whether they visit a museum of art or natural history or something unique to your area, your children can learn and have fun all at the same time.

Don’t forget that play is learning too

It can be tempting for parents to develop educational plans for their child’s entire summer. It’s important to ask, “how can my kids learn in the summer,” but you should also remember that children are more than capable of learning, on their own.

When your children play, they’re also learning. Simply taking your child to a playground or other indoor or outdoor activities provides them with new experiences that help them develop — even more so if they’re playing with other children.

Learning how to cooperate, share, and interact with other children is as important as learning reading and math. By giving your child the opportunity to play with other children as they see fit, you’re letting them develop important social skills.

If you’re looking for a place where your kids can be creative, imaginative, and have fun while staying safe, then Jumbaloo could be just what you need. Our amazing, indoor playground in Mississauga is tons of fun.

You can book a playtime, schedule a birthday party, or sign up your child for our summer camp program. Just call 905-785-3990 or contact us online to find out more.

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June 3, 2022 by admin 0 Comments

How to Encourage Your Children to Be More Active

Nearly every parent wishes that their children were more active. Screen time, video games, long days at school, and other seated activities often get in the way of this goal. That leaves parents searching for ideas.

If you’re wondering how to get your kids to be more active and looking for ways to encourage physical activity, here are a few suggestions that can help.

Use Exercise as Transportation

A great way to encourage physical activity is to use active transportation whenever possible. If you can walk or bike to an event or appointment, consider doing so instead of driving. Yes, it might take longer, but it is good for your health and may just give you an energy boost.

Think about all the places you go and determine whether it’s possible to use active transportation to get there. For instance, if your school is too far to walk, can you bike to it? If not, can you bike to the store or the park instead of driving?

If you’re taking public transit, consider getting off a stop or two early and walking the rest of the way. Every little bit matters.

Involve the Whole Family

Of course, while your focus may be on active kids, the whole family needs to be physically active. Consider going on a family walk after dinner or before bedtime — this can be a great way to spend time outdoors, talk to one another without distractions, and get in some additional physical activity.

You may also want to look for more active ways to spend family time on weekends, such as going for bike rides, hiking, or playing sports with your kids, rather than going to movies or dinners.  

Focus on Fun

You know the expression “time flies when you’re having fun?” The same is true for exercise. Kids will be much more likely to do physical activity if they’re having a great time. Running around a track for an hour might seem like a slog but running around a soccer field during a game, climbing on a play structure, or jumping on a trampoline can be a lot of fun!

Think of things your children enjoy and try to make those into active opportunities. Have scavenger hunts outdoors that involve running around the neighbourhood, for example, or play sports together.

Make Activity Social

It’s much more enjoyable to do an activity when you involve friends. Using this line of thinking, consider planning some active play with your children’s friends. Invite them all for a day at the playground or put together a game of softball in the park. When everyone is together and having fun, it won’t feel like they’re forced to be active. Instead, they’ll enjoy the time together.

An indoor playground is a perfect way for kids to socialize and be active at the same time. And you won’t need to worry about the weather since it’s all indoors!

Limit Screen Time

One thing that often gets in the way of physical activity for kids is screen time. We’re all guilty of spending too much time in front of screens, parents included. For this reason, it’s a good idea to set limits on screen time — this is particularly true when it comes to passive screen time, such as watching TV or online videos. These are sedentary activities that aren’t good for your child’s physical or social development.

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to get your kids more active, we’re here for you! Our indoor playscape structure includes jungle gyms, trampolines, slides, ball pits, and many more activities to keep your kids moving and having fun. 

Give us a call today at 905-785-3990 or visit our online contact page to book your family’s next visit.

 

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April 6, 2022 by admin 0 Comments

Tips to Encourage Constructive Playtime

You might be asking: why is playtime important to child development?  Incorporating constructive play into your child’s daily routines is a great way to facilitate the growth of existing skills and build new ones. 

With the use of blocks, markers, play-doh, or any toy that a child can manipulate to create something new. Children ignite their curiosity while exploring their creativity, improving math skills, and enhancing their vocabulary. 

This powerful learning tool is a fun way to engage numerous skills and create confidence in your child. The following tips will help you incorporate constructive play into your child’s daily routine.

 

Stick To the Basics

Playtime comes naturally to kids, and we don’t need to overthink it or over-plan when engaging our kids in constructive play. If you provide your child with the tools for constructive play, trust them to choose which toys to play with. 

Try to keep the selection to a minimum, that way they don’t get overstimulated and can’t focus. You can simply lay out some crayons and paper and let your child explore their capabilities, as well as encourage them to try new things or provide your child with building blocks and watch their imagination flourish.

 

Ask Questions and Be Present to Answer

As your child engages with constructive playtime toys, ensure that you are with them, asking them questions about what they are working on, answering any questions they may have, and assisting them when needed. Your presence will inspire them and encourage them to be confident in their ability to learn and explore new types of play. 

Your company will also improve their ability to communicate and work with others. If they see you building something, they will most likely want to join in and work together.

 

Use Sensorially Pleasing Objects

Sensory is an essential part of play as it engages all the child’s senses, including touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste. Using their senses during playtime allows children to develop many critical skills like coordination, motor skills, cooperation, and more. When choosing constructive playtime toys, it’s essential to select sensory-pleasing objects, including materials such as wood, metal, sand, and other items with unique consistencies and textures. 

Engaging your child with constructive sensory play is also a great way to calm them if they feel rambunctious. A gooey ball of slime or a bowl of colorful spaghetti noodles is the perfect way to divert their attention and get them focusing on an activity they can genuinely benefit from.

 

Create a Calm and Not Overwhelming Play Space

When deciding on an area you want to allocate to constructive play for your child, it’s important to ensure the space is ample enough but not overwhelmed with other distractions. Your child will need an area where they can freely build, construct, and create with the freedom of being nosey and potentially messy.

A great way to keep your child’s play space organized is by investing in several storage bins and labeling them in accordance with each constructive activity. They can have a bin for crafts, blocks, etc. Allowing your child the choice between containers is also a great way to encourage independence and decision-making.

 

Jumbaloo Playgrounds

Jumbaloo is a safe, structured place where creativity and imagination are free to run wild. Our age-appropriate play structures allow children to work on their coordination, balance, and agility.

Our play experts at Jumbaloo love providing children with the experience to work on their gross motor skills while improving their physical activity.

Give us a call today at 905-785-3990 or visit our online contact page to book your family’s next visit.

 

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March 10, 2022 by admin 0 Comments

Welcoming Reading Month: Tips to Make Reading Fun

Instilling an affinity for reading in your children does not need to be complicated. The joy of reading should be met with enthusiasm as an alternative for the common pleasures kids find comfort in. While staring at a tablet is probably the go-to distraction for kids, reading can be more rewarding and beneficial for a child’s development and their sense of imagination. 

If you want to see your kids reading books on a more regular basis, give these tips a try. 

 

Keep the topics interesting 

Forcing topics you find interesting onto your children is not the most effective way to ignite passion for literature. The best way to make reading fun for your child is to give them some agency in what they read. We recommend visiting your local library and letting your kid loose in the children’s section. 

The moment you place an ounce of control over what they can and cannot read, you will quickly diminish any chance of getting your child interested in books. With that said, if they do come to you for help in what to read, you can steer them in a direction they might favour. Try thinking about your child’s interests, and help them find books that relate to them. 

 

Read aloud 

Kids absolutely love it when you read aloud. Have fun with this by performing the story with different voices. When they get comfortable with reading themselves, try including them in some bits of dialogue. Reading aloud also helps your kids understand how to pronounce words and makes them feel more engaged with the story.

 

Make a special spot for reading 

Every avid reader needs a comfortable reading nook. Create a special spot for your kids to read in peace, so they will feel more inclined to open a book. Make it super cozy with blankets, pillows, pretty lights, and even a tent. You can also set the ambiance with some reading music, usually calm instrumental music. 

 

Have a read-in 

Instead of movie night, why not host a read-in for your family to enjoy? Have your child choose the book, and everyone can take turns to read aloud. Afterwards, you can discuss the story. Think of it as a sort of book club, and you can even invite your child’s friends over and make the read-in part of a sleepover activity.

 

Reward wisely – avoid screen time as rewards

The great thing about reading is all the worlds that become open to your child. They are exposed to a wealth of knowledge, which encourages them to learn more. Instead of rewarding them with more screen time, think of better ways to expand their interest in learning new things.

If your child has been reading about dinosaurs, why not take a trip to your local museum? Or have they been reading about animals? Then a trip to a zoo should be in order. 

The point is to nurture that innate desire to learn about the world around them. Books are a great starting point; it is up to you as the parent to continue exposing your child to enriching learning experiences. 

 

Visit Jumbaloo Playgrounds Today

Another great reward would be to get them more active! Life is all about balance, and sometimes kids want to let loose and have fun. Our fun playground will bring more joy to your child than any tablet ever could. The freedom to run around and play with other kids is a sound way to reward your child for hitting the books. 

Call us today at 905-785-3990 or send us a message via our contact page.

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February 11, 2022 by admin 0 Comments

Tips For Teaching Your Toddler How to Share

Toddlers are tiny people full of energy, fun and emotions – lots of emotions. Because toddlers are new to the world, they are not yet accustomed to managing these big emotions. One particular hurdle parents encounter during the toddler age is teaching their toddler how to share, which can incite some of those big emotions. 

Because toddlers spend their first year or so at the forefront of their parents’ world, they are often not familiar with the concept of sharing. Toddler sharing tantrums are bound to happen, but they are a natural part of growing up and can be great teachable moments.

To help ease the stress of multiple sharing tantrums, here are four tips for teaching your young one how to share.

 

Start at a Young Age

Children are capable of establishing many healthy habits at a very young age. Your child can learn the fundamentals of sharing by the time they are picking up objects and playing with toys. You can teach them to share by taking turns with the objects or toys. 

Once your child has picked up the toy, ask them to hand it to you and then proceed to hand it back. This small – but crucial – interaction teaches toddlers that sharing can be fun, and they will ultimately get the object back.

 

Be a Role Model 

 This tip is relatively straightforward: modelling good sharing behaviour for your toddler can demonstrate to them that sharing is fun and a desirable thing to do. Ask if you can take turns playing with your toddler’s toys, engage with them, and show them how you share with other adults as well. 

You can even share your own items with your toddler. Offer to let them share your favourite chair or share your snack with them. Not only does this illustrate how to share, but they’ll learn how good it feels to have other people share with them, too.

 

Bring a Timer to Playdates 

 Playdates are a fun way for kids to learn how to interact positively and play with each other. During a playdate, you might come across your first toddler sharing tantrum. There’s no toy more popular than a toy another child currently has. 

It can be an excellent idea to use a timer in these moments. It serves as a gentle reminder that each person gets an opportunity to play. Set the timer, and when the time runs outs, it means it’s time to share the toy.

 

Use Descriptive Praise

 Last but certainly not least, ensure you praise your child for a job well done. Emphasize how they made their friend happy by sharing their toys. By helping them be aware of the positive outcomes of their actions, you encourage them to continue this behaviour and feel good about it.

 

It Takes Time

 Don’t beat yourself up if your toddler doesn’t instantly grasp what sharing means. It will happen over time with continued modelling and practice.

 

Visit Jumbaloo Playgrounds Today

 Our team at Jumbaloo Playgrounds is happy to host your next toddler playdate. Safety is essential to us, and there is no need to worry about older children who might move faster and play a little more roughly. We have a separate toddler area perfect for playing and sharing. 

 Book some active play with us today. Give us a call at 905-785-3990 or get in touch via our contact page

 For your safety and that of our team, we adhere to strict Covid-19 rules and regulations

 

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January 5, 2022 by admin 0 Comments

Experts Weigh In: Helping Kids Make New Year’s Resolutions

As we welcome a new year, we also welcome a fresh start. The new year is when people often start with promises of new habits and lifestyle changes. We promise to be the best versions of who we are and plan to commit to these promises. Whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, or saying yes or no more often, new year’s resolutions come in many forms. As you consider these changes, the kids in your life might be curious and want to commit to their own new year’s resolutions. A good new year’s resolution doesn’t have to be rigid and no fun. Find out how experts weigh in on ways to help kids make new year’s resolutions they can feel good about. 

Don’t Dictate Resolutions

When brainstorming new year’s resolution ideas with kids, don’t forget to keep it fun and exciting; this is a great bonding experience where you have the opportunity to learn more about your children and their personal aspirations for themselves. It’s essential that you listen to your child and not try to control or dictate their resolutions. Allow them the independence and responsibility of handling their own resolution. If they ask for your help or guidance, it’s perfectly acceptable to offer them advice and assurance or suggest a resolution you think is manageable and fun.

 

Take Time Pursuing Big Resolutions

New habits don’t happen overnight. Experts believe that a habit usually takes six weeks or longer to become sustainable. Help your child ease into big resolutions by breaking them down into manageable steps. If your child wants to read more, encourage them by suggesting they read ten minutes a night the first week and slowly increase their reading time each week. Taking time to achieve long-term goals is essential for success, and your child will notice their progress and feel like they’re sticking it through.

 

Follow Up About Resolutions 

It’s essential that you show interest and support with how your kids are progressing with their new year’s resolutions. Check in now and then and see how it’s going. It would be best if you didn’t nag them, instead be there as a helping hand or a listening ear. Chances are, if they’re feeling like they’re not keeping up with their resolution, they’ll confide in you. If your child feels supported and praised by you, they’ll be excited about following through with their new habits.

 

Make Resolutions Together as a Family

 Children often take pride and feel good doing things together as a family. Coming up with a family resolution together is the perfect time to let your children guide the decisions while building confidence simultaneously. As a family, you can commit to creating fun habits together. Habits like going on more walks as a family, donating to charities together, or promising to cook one meal together a week. There are endless ideas, and listening to children talk about new year’s resolutions can help guide you in the right direction as a family.

 

Make Having More Fun a New Year’s Resolution

At Jumbaloo Playgrounds, we believe that one of the top qualities of a good new year’s resolution is to have fun while achieving it. We want to help you keep to those resolutions by providing you and your children with tons of fun and physical activity. Reward your children for a job well done and yourselves as well. Give us a call today at 905-785-3990, or head on over and fill out our online contact form.

We look forward to seeing you and your family soon!

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December 7, 2021 by admin 0 Comments

How to Spread Christmas Cheer With Kids

Christmas 2021 is approaching, and it’s looking a bit more normal than the previous year. Children have been navigating the pandemic like the little superheroes they are, and they deserve a Christmas like we had growing up: surrounded by family, festivities, and fun.

Our experts in everything fun at Jumbaloo Playgrounds have compiled an exciting list of how to spread Christmas cheer with kids. We call it Operation Christmas.

 

Bake Christmas Cookies for Friends and Family

What better way to start spreading Christmas cheer than Christmas baking? Christmas and baking go together like peanut butter and jelly, candy canes and gingerbread, or marshmallows and hot chocolate! You get the idea. A classic favourite is the Christmas cookie. These festive treats are traditionally sugar cookies cut into fun Christmas shapes like trees and bells, dusted with sprinkles. They’re easy to make and so fun. They’re also great to share with family and friends! Pack up a batch of these in a festive box and gift them to a friend or neighbour. You’re bound to put a smile on someone’s face.

 

Decorate the House 

Studies show that people who put their Christmas tree up early are happier, so that means there’s no need to wait until December 1st before you start spreading Christmas cheer throughout your home. Your children will be delighted when you pull out those lights and ornaments, and will surely be eager to help decorate. 

 

Sing Christmas Carols 

Singing Christmas carols is another activity perfect for enjoying that Christmas spirit. There is no other holiday with quite the same array of music. As soon as the department stores start playing our favourite Christmas classics, we know the holiday season is here. Get your kids in the spirit by putting together Christmas karaoke, or impress your neighbours the old fashion way with door-to-door singing (from a safe distance, of course). 

 

Donate Spare Change 

Make donating spare change to those in need part of your Operation Christmas. There are lots of organizations accepting donations, and demand is incredibly high around the holidays.

Helping those less fortunate is an important life lesson, and there’s no better season than Christmas to teach your kids the importance of generosity. Whether you find an online organization for spare change collection, or donate directly to a homeless shelter, a little bit goes a long way.

 

Donate Toys 

Another great way to spread cheer and give back is by donating toys. Christmas 2021 might look different for many families, and donating a toy or two could bring holiday delight to someone in your community. It’s also a simple but meaningful gesture to share with your children. Find a toy donation location at your local mall or supermarket.

 

Organize a Fundraiser or Food Drive 

Take the spirit of giving even further by organizing a fundraiser or a food drive. Again, many families do without. Collecting food donations is a wonderful way to ensure less fortunate families can enjoy nice Christmas meals too. You can also encourage your child to organize a bake sale or fundraiser by themselves to raise money for families in need.

 

Come Play at Jumbaloo

Now that you and your kids are in the Christmas spirit, our team at Jumbaloo would love to see those beaming smiles at our indoor playground.

We are thrilled to be open and adhering to Covid-19 rules and regulations for your safety.

Book your next play date by giving us a call at 905-785-3990 or visit our online contact page.

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September 2, 2021 by admin 0 Comments

Tips to Help “Shy” Kids Shine

Does your child tend to raise a ruckus at home, but then appear to be timid or clam up in social situations?

Many parents express concern when their kids seem to suffer from shyness, often out of fear that they will trail behind in social development. However, while childhood shyness is a frequent concern amongst parents, most psychological studies suggest that it’s also a very common and persistent trait.

The good news is that there are also plenty of strategies available to encourage children to come out of their shells and gain more confidence. In this blog, we’ll review some general tips for parents to help their shy kids become more engaged and confident, as well as some fun kids activities that can help spark their more expressive or creative sides. Keep reading to learn more.

General Tips for Parents With Shy Children

With enough patience and preparation, there are a multitude of ways for parents to help their children learn how to manage social situations and develop stronger connections with their peers. Some of the most effective ways for parents to achieve this include:

Avoiding Intervention

If you’ve noticed that your child struggles to socialize and make friends with other children at a playground or in another social setting, you might feel compelled to step in and help direct them. However, your child will have a difficult time learning how to manage their frustrations and the ability to deal with their current situation, which is an important skill that will encourage them to be more outgoing as they get older.

Being an Active Listener

Children are always more likely to open up and share their experiences with the people they trust the most. As their parents, this will most likely be you.

Therefore, be sure to always be an active listener of your child’s stories, sentences, and other expressions. Over time, this can help them to feel more comfortable with outward self-expression around others.

Preparing Them for New Situations

For shy kids, trying new things can feel nerve-wracking. A great way to help your child warm up to new situations is to talk them through any scenarios beforehand. Consider comparing a new or scary situation to something they have successfully tried (and enjoyed) in the past as a means of calming their nerves and familiarizing them.

Starting Small

Most shy children gradually warm up to social situations when they are exposed to new things one step at a time. Exposing them to too many people and changes at once can feel overwhelming.

Consider using the “factorial approach,” which is a technique where just one or two things at a time are changed or introduced. This can include encouraging socialization with one playmate and then waiting until they are comfortable before introducing any other peers into a playgroup. Be sure to start small, go slowly, and give your child time to adjust to each step.

Activities to Encourage Socialization

There are also many activities that can help spark confidence in shy children and boost their confidence in social spaces. Some of the best places for icebreaker activities include:

Indoor Playgrounds

Indoor playgrounds provide an excellent space for collaborative activities, continued contact, and healthy interaction. As such, they’re a great place for shy kids to experience different situations and feel more comfortable opening up.

Day Camps

Day camps are usually packed with a myriad of fun-filled activities for children with various different personality types, interests, and preferences. Many activities in day camps are designed to further social engagement and encourage kids to problem-solve collaboratively, such as crafts, cooking, drama, swimming, and sports. The continuity of a day camp program is also a great way to make shy kids feel more comfortable exploring new activities and forming friendships.

Outdoor Games

Being indoors with other peers can sometimes feel overwhelming for shy kids, which is why outdoor games are also a great way for them to ease their tension and warm up to others. Backyards or parks are a perfect setting for children to be creative and participate in games that require more personal contact. Various outdoor games can include tag, hide and seek, sports, dance, creative pretend play, and much more.

Schedule Your Next Playdate at Jumbaloo Today!

Our team at Jumbaloo Playgrounds is thrilled to finally be open and ready to host your child’s next big playdate! With a wide range of ways to exercise and have fun, our indoor playground is inclusive, safe, and open for children of all personality types.

To book your next party at Jumbaloo, call us at 905-785-3990 or visit our contact page to fill out our online form. We look forward to hosting your next playdate!