Outside – Minnieland Academy

August 31, 2017June 12, 2023

Public Tantrums? Here’s How to Handle Them

Another tantrum in the store?

Ah…the beloved moment when your child begins to act as a human windshield wiper against the grocery store floor. It’s a humbling experience for all to go through a public temper tantrum. We’ve gathered some tips and thoughts on how to turn the embarrassment level from a 10 to a 5. Let us know what you think.

Before going anywhere, try to stock your bag with snacks and drinks. Sometimes all it takes for a meltdown is a want for food. Sure, your food may not be the object of desire as you stroll by the chocolate chunk cereal….but it may appease the anger for a little longer.

2. Be an example of how to act: You want to pull your hair out. We get it. Completely. But your toddler doesn’t need to know this. This fact may only make your little one more upset. Stay calm and take deep breaths. Rushing out of the store won’t make your child any more calm. In fact, it may cause more agitation. Once out of the center of attention, keep your wits. Don’t attempt ending the ordeal quickly. Rushing the process is a recipe for disaster. Sit down with your little one and let them know you understand how they’re feeling. Pat them on the back or sit them in your lap. Let the little one know it’s okay to have bad feelings but that it’s time to calm down.

“What can I do for you?”: Asking a question like this lets your little one know you are on their side. It does not mean you will give them what they want, but opens up a dialogue to explain the situation. Maybe they can’t have that lollipop because it has too much sugar…but they can have an oatmeal bar! No matter what – don’t give in to the reason of the temper tantrum no matter what. It will only make your child realize that all they have to do is throw a fit to get anything they want. Stick to your ground and keep calm. You’ll get through it…we promise!

Minnieland Academy provides early childhood education and care for infants through school-age children.

Founded in 1972 by Chuck and Jackie Leopold, Minnieland Academy has provided Virginia families with the best early childhood education and care for over 40 years. We have over 60 schools that serve infants through school age children, helping them develop in a loving environment. We believe that learning is fun, and our Kid Steps curriculum provides age appropriate education at every level of their growth.

Come tour one of our schools and become part of the Minnieland Academy Family! https://www.minnieland.com

February 4, 2016June 17, 2022

Why Is It Important for Your Child to Play?

We all want our kids to enjoy their childhood and explore many different things. We want them to be interested in books. We want them to explore modern technology. We want them to go outside and appreciate nature.

There are so many scenarios in which children can blossom and play, and although we often deem playing as leisure activity, there is more to it than that. Play is, in fact, one of the most important things a child needs to do during their development.

Below are a few reasons why playing is so important for children:

Play helps them learn how to get along with other kids. When your child has a playmate, they learn how to socialize with other kids and how to deal with different social situations. It is very important to their social development and fluency.
It builds imagination. What’s more fun than pretending you are the king or queen of your own kingdom or an explorer finding treasure? When children are allowed to create a world of their own, their imaginations expand, which serves them in all other aspects of their lives as they grow older.
It promotes physical development. There is actually a lot of physical activity involved in playing, which helps kids develop better balance, eye-and-hand coordination, and strength.
They become team-oriented. Your child will be more at ease when working with other people and will learn to value teamwork and hard work in order to achieve their goals. For instance, if they want to build a small house, they need to work together and divide the responsibilities to bring it to life.
Play is exercise. Your child becomes more active, which leads to better health.
They learn. There is so much to learn when children play. Their motor skills are developed, and they can learn concepts that they see in books or from school like colors and shapes.
They develop confidence. With obstacles to face and new skills to learn, children build confidence when they achieve small successes, whether physically or in their minds.
Play is fun. Who wouldn’t want their children to have fun? Childhood happens quickly, so it is important for children to get to fully experience it, laugh, and feel free.

January 27, 2016June 17, 2022

Basic Outdoor Safety Tips to Keep Your Child Safe

The outdoors are great for your children. It gives them fresh air, sunshine, and overall better health. They can play with their friends and run around, which keeps their bodies active. They can explore your yard and gardens and use their imaginations to create fun scenarios in their heads.

There are so many things that the outdoors can offer, but safety is not always guaranteed. In order to let your kids play outside without worrying about them, here are some basic safety tips you should keep in mind:

Do not let them play outside without adult supervision. Even if you don’t join them in playing, keeping a watchful eye can save them when danger arises.
Teach your child never to go beyond the fence. It is important that your child understands that rule and follow it strictly.
Always lock the gates. There is no need for your child to open the gates and get out of your yard.
Remove any hazardous, sharp, or electrical materials from their play area. These are potential sources of dangers.
Apply sunscreen during summer and proper warm clothing in winter. Always dress your child appropriate based on the season, so they do not become overheated or develop a cold from being too chilled.
Equip your child with a safety helmet and kneepads when riding bicycles, skateboards, or other moving toys.
Keep outdoor tools and equipment in sheds or away from your children. Bring your gardening tools and barbecue grills inside if possible.
Inspect their play area. Is all play equipment working fine? Is there any damage on the seesaw, monkey bars, or swing? Check it out to see if there are possible sources of accidents.
Allow your child to play only on equipment appropriate for their age. Certain equipment like monkey bars is not safe for toddlers for example..
Watch them closely when they’re swimming in the pool. Never leave them unattended.
Remove or section off plants that could be potentially hazardous to their health. Educate them on what they should and should not touch.

September 24, 2014June 12, 2023

Benefits of Gardening for Children

gardening pic for blog Minnieland Academy is committed to supporting health and nutrition by planning physical activities both indoors and outdoors, serving nutritious foods and implementing gardening and cooking experiences. Studies indicate that children who grow their own food are likely to eat more fruits and vegetables.

In the spring we prepare our gardens for planting and by mid-summer they are brimming with bounty for our children to harvest and enjoy. These range greatly in diversity with some schools opting to plant in garden boxes while others cultivate garden plots or collect recyclable materials to try their hand at container gardening.

Throughout our Minnieland programs you will see a variety of gardening such as herbs growing in window sills, flower beds planted to attract butterflies, and salsa or pizza-themed produce growing in vegetable patches. Sunflowers are also a favorite in many of our gardens.