You child is smart, but how gifted is he?

You have definitely noticed that your child is observant, curious, at times precocious and definitely smart. But you must have also wondered if he is also truly talented and gifted. Yet, you should know that there are some clear signs that can show if your child is indeed truly precocious or not.

First of all, there is the question of the age. How early can one parent spot the characteristics of the gift? Even since infancy! Remember, your child doesn’t have to show all the signs listed below to be gifted.
1. He is alert and very attentive to everything new around him.
2. He doesn’t sleep very much.
3. He may either start to speak very early on or later, but in full sentences.
4. He learns how to play games really fast and loses interest in what he has already mastered, wanting to play new and newer games.
5. He likes to discover, to investigate and search through all the corners of your house. The main point is that gifted infants and toddlers learn new things and acquire new interests very fast and have a continuous interest in everything that is still unknown to them. Once that particular activity has no secret for them they lose interest and want to start doing something else. This is not a sign of fussiness, but one of precociousness.

Later, once they grow older, children preserve the same traits: they are very curious, extremely observant, make quick analogies, can make a clear distinction between fiction and reality, can keep their focus for a longer period of time, have interests which they intensely follow, have a great memory or have a very unique imagination.

Gifted children may be very sensitive, have a great sense of humor for their age, are perfectionists, have an expanded vocabulary, read early and fast and their reading choices are developed for their age etc.

Paying attention to the way your child responds and interacts with and to everything around him will allow you to spot these kinds of characteristics early. Therefore, you might come to his help and allow the development of their talents and gifts better and faster. Also, keep an eye on learning platforms such as Fish Smarty which can be truly very helpful in your child’s progress, providing him with innovative and imaginative activities. Thus, he will always be challenged and will never get bored!

Beach activities for children

It’s summer officially! Your child is just starting his well deserved holiday and you’re already planning a family getaway to the beach. It’s time for you to read about some fun games and activities for your child because beach days can be long and might turn boring for your active kid.

Firstly, remember that sunscreen is key! Since he is going to spend so much time in the sun, always make him wear a hat, a t-shirt and proper sun protection for his delicate skin. Then, you can start any of the next games in which both children and parents are encouraged to participate. Activities: 1. Kite flying. This is a very good activity to increase attention and care of your child. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! You can always rely on a good breeze for your child’s kite. 2. Exploring the beach. Collecting seashells and pebbles. It’s one of the best ways you can introduce them to the marine environment. Encourage them to find a variety of colours and shapes of seashells and pebbles. 3. Playing with beach toys (plastic shovel, rake, bucket etc.). You child is definitely going to use these toys in his beach games. 4. Ball games. Either volleyball or football, children love playing with a ball. They’ll learn new rules and have a lot of fun trying to be competitive. 5. Sand sculptures. This is the perfect activity for when you child has grown tired, but still feels active enough to get engaged in a creative activity. You can join him and help build sand castles, bridges or anything they imagine. Makes sure you’ve applied enough sun cream, as this activity may take a while. You can always bring a Frisbee a floatable surf rider and take the game to the sea, where the water is not deep for them. They’ll enjoying mixing this new element into their games. Have a great holiday!

Children and Sports

In an age where the latest technology has conquered the free time and the preferences of children of very tender ages, parents like you must consider encouraging them to start new dynamic activities.

Therefore, you should consider acquainting them to any kind of sports that would enable them to be more active, more interactive with other children and to learn traits such as competitiveness, fair play, ambition, determination and, most of all, they must have fun.

So, let’s go through the main advantages of enlisting your child in sports at an early age.
1. Children will be more active and fit which will make them develop beautifully when they grow up.
2. They will be stronger and a lot more competitive, qualities that will then translate in their day to day lives too.
3. The self-esteem will be a lot greater because they will have a sense of accomplishment different from anything else.
4. As well, they will learn about concepts such as perseverance, hard work, respect and discipline which will only be valuable in the future. Children will be more communicative since they will meet new people, children, coaches etc. and they will make friends easier.

Some sports could be and should be practiced from an early age are football, tennis (or other racquet sports), cycling, basketball (or any other ball team sports), swimming, skating, running or martial arts.

If you fear that your child might not be good at sports he just started to practice, don't be. And yes, some sports may not be up his alley and then, you should support him into taking up another sport, anything he would like to practice. Forcing a child to practice a sport when he doesn’t want to anymore or to a level that he is not comfortable with, will only make him resent and even hate that sport.

When you have to choose the sport that your child should practice think of his skills and then decide what would work best for him. Remember that only your child should decide if and when he should practice that particular sport intensely and professionally. Ultimately, the child is the one that will make all the effort so he should express judgments and concerns.

Swimming initiation

Swimming initiation

Whenever you have thought about initiating your child to a new activity, swimming may have seemed like an interesting, yet risky choice. Why interesting? Because swimming learnt from a tender age can prevent the development of hydrophobia. Also, it is an activity that once practiced on a regular basis, will help him develop a harmonious and mobile body.

However, depending on the moment you want to initiate your child to this activity, you have to be comfortable and confident enough to let him be in the water. Keep in mind that everybody is born with swimming instincts because once being put in water they begin moving their hands and feet. Therefore, it is recommended that you encourage your kid to move freely, to start with gentle exercises and start playing with him so that he is more at ease in this new environment. Remember you should be attentive and alert the whole time your child is in the water. Accidents may happen and this could lead to your kid developing fear for water.

When you made up your mind about taking him to swimming classes, you should know that you’ll need to get your kid with floaters. In this way, he will be more confident and secure. The most important factor in child's ability to learn is the way your kid feels about the water. Play games to make it fun.

It is also best that you or your partner know how to swim. This way, one of you will be with your child in the water during the classes. This will prove to be comforting for both you and him. You have to be confident when doing so because a tense parent can induce fear to the child. Never leave a child unattended near or in the pool. Don't take your eyes off a child, even children who can swim must be watched.

Remember that the sooner you start the classes the better. Exposing him to water should be done with a lot of care, but never forget that excitement and games are always welcome and will make the whole experience very enjoyable.

Fish Smarty - because we make kids smarter!

Santa Claus

The arrival of Santa Claus in the early hours of the 25th of December is the next and probably the most important winter celebration. The jovial old man with a big white beard, red and white clothes, also known as Father Christmas, arrives thru the chimney, and then leaves gifts under the Christmas tree.

It is obviously wonderful to perpetuate the belief in the mythical figure that is Santa Claus. Nevertheless, his creation is based on the Saint we’ve discussed before, Saint Nicholas of Myra. So, if you every have had doubts regarding whether you should tell your child that Santa is real or not, think about the fact that childhood is the time when magic and the inexplicable seem real and believable. Your children will be more open to the wonders of life if you preserve the illusion of existence of Santa Claus. They will, however, be old enough to figure out that he doesn’t exist at one point, but even if they are disappointed, soon they will learn to appreciate the innocence and magic of that time when they truly believed in Santa.

As the writer Frank Church once wrote, Santa Claus “exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy”. Make of the this celebration something more than just a day of receiving gifts, make it a day for being generous to others too. This should be a day when they can share with other children less fortunate and a time of reflection on their behavior, a time to practice good deeds for a few days and weeks.

Teach your children that even if they learn that Santa Claus is just a figment of imagination they wouldn’t be mean and spoil the magic for other kids or for smaller siblings who still believe in him.

The existence of Santa Claus is a fantastic tradition to keep whether you are rich or poor because, ultimately, it is not about giving expensive gifts, but only about the simple act of giving something, be it small or symbolic. That is also a reason why, you could practice with your children, once they are old enough, donating clothes or meals to the people who are less fortunate instead of Christmas gifts. Teach them that they can also be Santa Claus.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Pets and children

You might have had a pet when you were younger, or might have even given up your furry friend when you found out you were pregnant for fear it might be detrimental to your child’s wellbeing. Yet, now that he is bigger, you could consider giving him a loyal dog, a delicate cat, a parakeet or even a tank full of fish. It might take a lot of consideration because you don’t know if your child is ready for a pet yet. Either you don’t feel like he is responsible enough and that you might end up taking care of it, or you are afraid that the pet you will choose might eventually hurt your child.

A study published in 2000, by New Mexico child psychologist Robert E. Bierer, explored the relationship between pets and children. He measured the effect pet dogs had on children aged 10 to 12 years old. His conclusion was that having a dog has a statistically higher impact on self esteem and empathy.

Moreover, occupational therapist and executive director of Animals As Intermediaries program, Rebecca Reynolds Weil, underlines that through their pets, children learn how the world and the living things are interconnected. Animals stimulate children’s curiosity and they develop a more subtle sense of communication. Children will be very curious about what their pet feels and this will only lead to them developing a curiosity about the feelings of other people, making him empathise more.

They learn how to sense when their pet is pleased, hungry, excited, playful, tired etc. without using a conventional language. Thus, they will find it easy to apply what they learn through the interaction with their animals in their human relationships.

Having pets will enable their fostering skills. They will know they are responsible for the wellbeing of another animated being. They’ll have to learn how to keep it healthy and happy. Once they know what are the basics of being responsible for a pet they will start being more responsible with themselves.

Although you have to insist that your child must be the one that takes most care of the pet, he will never know what to do unless you explain him. Make sure you always keep an eye on him and be ready to step in whenever necessary. If there is goodwill and love for animals your will become a complete family by adopting a pet.

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Kids and Saint Nicholas

On 6th of December Saint Nicholas Day marks the beginning of the winter celebrations. It’s the time when children all over the world wait impatiently for the Saint’s nightly visit to receive the presents.

Saint Nicholas's celebration is, in fact, all about giving. This celebration is meant to teach and remind children about the generous and giving Saint, a Turkish, third century, Christian bishop, who was known to give presents in secret, especially to those in need.

Your kids should know as well if they are good, well behaved and kind, they will “secretly” receive cookies, candies, oranges or apples in their boots from the Saint. If not, all they'll get is, depending on the different traditions, either a lump of coal or a rod. Also, remember that Saint Nick’s day is not about offering costly or impressive gifts, but rather a way of appreciating your children’s good deeds in a symbolic manner. Teach them to be equally generous with those in need, as that is the essence of this celebration. So, whatever they get in their boots they should share with their peers.

Depending on the country where this day is celebrated, children wait for the arrival of the Saint leaving hay, water, carrots or turnips, wine and a sugar lump for the Saint’s horse (in some countries Saint Nick is depicted being carried by a horse) by their doors. Also, in other countries children and their parents or teachers go from house to house and sing Saint Nicholas carols. They carry wicker baskets for fruits, nuts, eggs and sausages which the neighbours give in return.

Yet, though each culture has different traditions, this celebration’s main characteristic is the fact that people and children should offer gifts to those who are less fortunate. Giving is a virtue that you should instill to your kids and Saint Nicholas day is one of the best ways you can demonstrate this.

Happy Winter Holidays!

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