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Healthy Habits for Kids

Children are like a blank canvas. They are a clear reflection of what we instill in them. Be it habits or values; they absorb everything like a sponge. The most crucial years in a child’s life are the first ten years. These first ten years can actually make or mar the personality of a child. It is in these tender years that we can instill good habits in them that will last them a life time.

A good parent works on developing healthy habits in his kids through a holistic approach. A lot comes within the ambit of healthy habits. Good nutrition, physical activities, hygiene, the sleep cycle, manners and much more contribute to healthy habits in kids. Habits can’t be forced upon a child and the best approach is to rationalize with a kid as to why a certain habit is worth inculcating.

The following are some healthy habits for kids:

  • Good eating habits: The food habits that a child develops in his early childhood are more or less likely to stay with him for life. Encourage your child to eat nutritious home-made food as against junk food. Try to include vegetable servings, whole wheat, salads, porridge, yoghurt and plenty of fresh fruits in your child’s daily diet. This will go a long way in developing good eating habits and will also keep diseases like obesity miles away from your child well into adulthood.
  • Physical activities: With the boom of computers, TV’s and video games, kids are literally glued inside their homes. It’s very important for kids to be physically active in order to be healthy in the long run. Ensure that your child spends at least half an hour outside in the fresh air daily. In addition to this, involve your child in various outdoor activities like cycling, swimming and skating. Play board games with your child and bond over a picnic or even something as simple as a walk.
  • Good hygiene: Hygiene comprise of both oral hygiene and physical hygiene. Teach your child about the importance of good oral hygiene. Make sure you child brushes twice a day and take him for regular dental check ups. Encourage your child to wash hands after every meal and even after visiting the washroom. Do let your kid know the importance of short and clean nails, well kempt hair and overall grooming.
  • Sleep habits: It’s very important for children to sleep enough for proper overall development. A child requires at least 9 to 10 hours of sleep on an average. Instill in your kid the habit of going to bed early and consequently waking up early.

We at the Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas run various health programs which aim to create a healthy and appropriate surrounding for kids. To name some of these programs are Cavity-Free Zone, SMART Moves, SMART Girls, SMART Leaders and Passport to Manhood.

If you are interested in enrolling your kids in these programs, visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

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Teenagers And Drug Abuse

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse refers to the excessive and maladaptive pattern of alcohol or drug consumption. A person suffering from drug abuse has a strong desire to take illicit drugs, faces difficulties in controlling its habit and gives more priority to drug use than to other activities etc.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of teenagers who fall victim to drug abuse. They usually begin taking drugs voluntarily but with the passage of time and continuous drug use, they become drug addicts. This is because the prolonged use of drugs affects the functioning of the brain.

The reasons why teenagers take drugs include, but are not limited to factors like having fun, making friends, being called a ‘risk-taker’ or ‘rebel’, getting stress relief, escaping difficult decisions, peer pressure, being a part of significant group of people, curiosity  etc.

Parents can make out if their kid is suffering from drug abuse with the help of following warning signs:

  • Having bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.
  • Stays isolated, withdrawn, depressed or angry.
  • Being secretive, particularly about his/her peer group.
  • Losing interest from old habits and being untruthful about new interests and activities.
  • Demanding privacy and avoiding eye contact.

If your child is abusing drugs or alcohol, it is very important to take an action right way. There are certain institutes which deal with various teenage related problems.

We at Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas offer various programs for the betterment of youngsters. We aim at guiding your kid not just in the academic field but also in extracurricular activities. The special programs at our club like SMART Moves and SMART Leaders prepare teenagers to help them resist alcohol, tobacco, other addictive substances drugs and premature sexual activity.

For more information regarding our programs or for any other related queries, feel free to visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, located at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541. You can also call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

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The Impact Of Boys & Girls Club Of Central Texas On Your Kid

‘Children are like wet cement; whatever falls on them makes an impression.’ This saying definitely holds true as kids keep on learning without realizing what they actually are. They are unable to distinguish between what is good and bad for them. So, it is the sole responsibility of parents and mentors to create a healthy and safe environment for their kids.

Boys & Girls Club Of Central Texas (BGCCT) provides a great learning environment for your kids. This club offers a wide range of activities and learning programs, which help in your kids’ overall (social, emotional, physical, mental and cognitive) development. All the programs are conducted by well trained and experienced tutors and volunteers.

BGCCT positively impacts the lives of the kids by engaging them in number of learning programs. To name a few programs, character building, leadership,  education, career oriented, health, life skills, fine arts, dramatics, sports & fitness, recreational activities and the list goes on. Being a charity based organization, the club charges very low fees for all these programs.

This club ensures a safe, positive, friendly, fun and supportive relationship between the kids and the mentors. It works towards providing a world-class club experience, which is within the reach of every kid who walks through the BGCCT doors.

If you want a bright future for your kids and want them to lead a healthy lifestyle, BGCCT is all you need. You will also see them growing as responsible citizens. We at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas will engage your kids in various activities, which will boost their academics as well as extracurricular skills.

For more information regarding our programs or for any other related queries, feel free to visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, located at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541. You can also call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

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Make A Donation To Boys & Girls Club Of Central Texas

It has been truly said that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. By making a donation, one not only makes someone’s life better but also gets blessings for this noble cause. We know that there are hundreds of people who do not have enough money to meet their basic needs. But, there are various charitable organizations which cater to the needs of these people.

Apart from raising the fund, these charities also organize several activities for the betterment of the society. These activities may include health awareness programs, sports activities for kids, art & craft classes etc which are conducted with the money received by the organizations from various sources.

If you want to make a valuable contribution for your society, donating in charitable organizations is a great and secure idea. You can be assured that your contribution, no matter how big or small, reaches the right hands.

We at The Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas are an organization that works for the overall development of children mainly between the ages 6 to 18 years (both boys and girls). We provide a number of recreational, educational and social programs like:

  • Character & Leadership: These programs works for building up the kid’s academic performance and moral character. We make them explore the wide range of career opportunities in life and make them confident and a good public speaker.
  • Education & Career: These programs aim at enhancing their writing, reading and discussion ability. The power hour caters in providing them thorough guidance in their home work and school assignments.
  • Health & Life Skills: These programs aim at increase health awareness amongst the kids. While the cavity-free zone make them aware about good oral hygiene, the SMART Moves program helps youngsters to resist alcohol, tobacco, drug use and premature sexual activities.
  • Arts: This program encourages the artistic abilities in the kids. The activities include drawing, painting, printing, collage making, mixed media, photography, sculpture making, web page design, graphic design and many more.
  • Sports & Recreations: The sports activities include football, track, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading etc.

You can help us in making these programs more fruitful and productive by making a donation to our organization. If interested or to know more about our organization, visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

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How To Bridge The Generation Gap?

At one point or the other, most of the youngsters feel that their parents do not understand them nor do they respect them as an individual. These days, parents and kids have a wide difference between their attitudes, priorities, thought process as well as understanding. This difference is often termed as generation gap. But luckily, every problem has a solution. There is a way to bridge this yawning chasm between the parents and their toddlers.

Kids often say ‘you never understand me!’ to their parents. In order to genuinely build up a healthy relation, both parents and kids should start treating and understanding each other like a friend. For parents it is important to listen to the child and understand his or her viewpoint. While for a child, he should have respect and love for their parents. Besides being occupied in daily chores and worrying about expenses at home, or office work etc, parents need to spend some quality time with their kids. Here are some tips for parents that can bring them closer to their kids:

  • Communication: Unless and until you communicate with your kids, you would not be able to share your thoughts. Make them know what you feel and also listen to their point of view.
  • Devoting quality time: Spend a lot of time together having fun. This will help you know each other even more. This will surely take some time but the results are always fruitful.
  • Clear boundaries: Do not put a lot of restriction on your kid. Know what they like and dislike. Trust plays a key role here and makes you not worry much about them.
  • Step into each other’s shoe: Know and respect each other’s opinions, values and thinking.
  • Respect individuality: Parents should let kids know their view point but at the same time they must also give ample space to kids to enjoy their lives. They never like to be spoon fed by their elders all the time.

If you want your kids to lead a healthy lifestyle and become a responsible citizen, it is essential to engage them in various activities which will boost their academics as well as extracurricular activities.
We at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas offer a series of programs for your kids. To enroll your kid in various programs or for any other queries, visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, located at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

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Is Your Child Interested In Cheerleading?

“Hands on your hips, a smile on your lips, spirit in your heart, we're ready to start!”

Cheerleading was once considered to be a social activity meant only for girls. But now, it is gaining popularity as a competitive sport throughout the world, involving equal participation of girls and boys. In simple terms, cheerleading is a physical activity which involves gymnastics, tumbling, stunts, jumps and cheers.

If you want to make your kid more active and confident, cheerleading is a great option. It will be beneficial for your kid in the following ways:

  • Health benefits: The choreographed routine involved in cheerleading improves flexibility, stamina, muscular strength and endurance.
  • Confidence building: Performing in front of people builds up confidence and self esteem in your kid.
  • Team work:  Cheerleading teaches coordination and to perform motions on a certain beat. This helps your kid understand the importance of team work and perform as a team.
  • Socialize: It is a great way to make new friends and encourage socialization.
  • Enjoyment:  Cheerleading, no doubt requires hard work but it involves a lot of fun and excitement.

We at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas offer various sports and recreational activities for your kids. Registration for cheerleading program is held each year in mid of August.  This program is basically for kids between the ages 7 and 12. The age group is determined by the kid’s age as on September 1. Our aim is to help your kids grow and learn in a positive and healthy environment.

All the participants in cheerleading programs must either attend or live within the KISD school district. Besides cheerleading, the other sports activities at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Texas include football, track, volley ball, basketball and many more.

To enroll your kid in any of the above mentioned programs or for any other query about our club, feel free to visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, located at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant)  at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

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Alcoholism In Teenagers

Alcohol is a very powerful drug that affects the central nervous system of the human body to a great extent. Excessive intake of it leads to depression. Teenagers are said to be at a higher risk than adults of becoming alcoholic as they injudiciously try to adopt the adult behavior pattern. They try to imitate adults and in a bid to do that they succumb to the unhealthy habit of taking alcoholic drinks.

Teenagers, who get addicted to alcohol, experience a lot of problems, related not only to health, also with the behavior, attitude and academics. The most common signs from which you can make out if your child is becoming an alcoholic are:

  • Children suffering from the problem of alcoholism usually lose interest in studies and are not regular in school. They lag behind in the school work and assignments, which is clearly reflected by their dropping grades. It is very essential for parents to keep a check on the attendance record of the child. This helps in knowing if your ward has missed classes.
  • Health gets severely affected with the intake of alcohol. The most common signs are sudden loss or gain in weight, bulging of eyes, poor concentration power, mood swings, change in sleeping patterns, poor hygiene et al.
  • There is an appalling change in the behavior pattern of teenagers. They begin to make excuses, become verbally and physically very abusive. They also tend to switch their peer groups.

Parents need to take a number of precautions to help their child cope with the problem of alcoholism. To lend you a helping hand in the cause, there are certain institutes that deal with several teenage related problems.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas is renowned nationwide for its various programs that it runs for the betterment of youngsters. It aims at guiding your kid not just in the academic field, also in extracurricular activities. Special programs like SMART Moves and SMART Leaders are run by this club which prepare teenagers to help their peers resist alcohol, tobacco, other addictive substances drugs and premature sexual activity.

Get your child enrolled in this program to help him get rid of the alcohol addiction. For more information, contact Ms Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808.

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Sharpen Your Computer Skills At Boys And Girls Club Of Texas

Computer is an important and needed element in the present times. Thus, it is a very good idea to introduce computers to children at an early age. This will help the children to understand and learn the functionality of a computer by the time they enter school. 

The children in preschool age can gain knowledge of how to turn on the computer and operate the mouse. There are also various games designed especially for this age group that instruct and strengthen basic skills of school readiness in them.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas provides a special computer time to your children. Structured activities and games provide an opportunity to the child to explore the functioning of a child. Children are made to name each and every part of the computer. They are also made to play games that require dragging and dropping things also develop their mouse skills. This knowledge facilitates the children to use the computer parts in a proper manner. 

At Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas, children are made aware of the usefulness of the children in the present times and they are prepared for a world in which expertise in computer is extremely essential. 

The instructors at the club are trained and expert in their work. They give special attention to each child and understand the importance of giving assistance to every child so that he can reach his full potential. They do not teach computer as some course. They make the classes interesting and enjoyable by illustrating to the kids that is very much fun to learn and try something new. 

Children are also provided an exposure to various software programs that enhance their creativity in conjunction with an introduction to technology.  

The club helps to sharpen your child’s computer skills through a step by step exposure to it. Moreover, the controlled atmosphere of the club promotes enjoyment and learning. Make your kid a part of Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas today by contacting Ms. Carol Dunn at 254-699-5808.

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How To Build Character In Kids?

Media is having a huge impact on the children these days. Along with Television shows, movies, advertizements, and internet, they learn a lot from their surroundings. They quickly grasp what they observe around them. This makes it very essential to keep an eye on what they are getting into. It is equally important to keep a check on their peer groups.

The role of parents, guardians and educational institutes becomes vital in building up the character in kids. Character building is very gradual process that needs a lot of care and dedication. It is wrong to say that character building takes place only in the childhood as it keep getting build up with time.

Following are some points that will guide you to build a good character in your child:

  • Teaching mannerism:  As a parent, it is your soul responsibility to turn your kid into a responsible, honest and determined person. Make him understand the value of these qualities and how essential they are to lead a successful and happy life.
  • Teach him to adjust in all kind of environment: Kids get used to the care and love they get from their families and this makes their expectations higher. It is very important to make them learn that time is not the same always.  They need to be strong enough to face even the harsh situations without getting frustrated.
  • Keep a check on what they watch or surf on internet and television:  This is very important as kids learn and imitate a lot from what they watch on TV or Internet.
  • Interact with your kids: Healthy interaction is very important between the kids and their parents because of the generation gap. Be a good listener and always spend some time to listen to what your kid has to say.
  • Be polite:  It is important to deal with kids in a sensitive manner so that they do not pick up any negative sentiments from the conversations.

Boys And Girls Club Of Central Texas is a renowned institution that run a number of qualitative programs to enhance your kid’s personality.  Get your child registered in the  various programs and make your child a better person .For more details, contact Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas, 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541 or call at 254-699-5808, Ext:102.

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Music Camps For Kids In Central Texas

It is a well known fact that music heals our soul, and also relieves us from all the stress and tensions that we come across during daily course of our lives. Nowadays, kids have a heavy burden of studies and summer breaks provide them the chance of using their leisure time in learning things which gives them real happiness and pleasure. These are the times when kids get along with their friends and join summer camps to refresh themselves from the year long schooling pattern. 

Music camps for kids provide them the opportunity to develop their singing skills. Such camps also help them to get trained in various musical instruments like guitar, piano, drums etc. It allows kids to experience various art forms which give them an artistic bent of mind. The best part of such music camps is that the kids become familiar with various musical instruments and can develop interest to pursue it as a career latter in life.

As kids get trained according to their interests in a particular field, they can anytime utilize these skills while participating in school functions or TV shows etc. Music camps not only help in enhancing their personality but also aid them in making new friends and peer groups. With such camps, kids learn to handle life’s stress more comfortably and shape their career line according to their likes and interests.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas has developed the summer music camp for teens, in partnership with the Texas Folk Music Foundation. The prime motive of the camp is to let teenagers explore different art forms like music and poetry. This music camp included professional training on various musical instruments and lyrics writing.

We, at Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas, would be conducting more such music camps for different age-groups for the over-all development of your kid’s personality. For more details visit Boys and Girls Clubs of Texas, 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn at 254-699-5808 Ext: 102.

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