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Helping Children Manage Stress

23. July 2018 Administrator Blog (0)
Stress in modern times is not just afflicted to adults but is common among kids too. The life of a kid today is not just limited to studies, school and free play at home. There’s a lot going on in their lives such as study pressure, peer pressure, social media addiction, broken families etc. to name a few. It is very important to engage kids in activities that provide mental, social and physical stimulation and help in keeping stress at bay.

The following are some time-tested strategies for helping kids overcome stress:

  • Avoid Overscheduling: Parents who overschedule a child’s day are contributing to their stress levels and this might not have positive effects as they grow. There are too many expectations from kids these days. We expect them to perform well in academics and extra-curricular activities. Minimal attention is given to the amount of time they get to rest, play and sleep.
  • Sleep: Sleep is non-negotiable. Kids need at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep for their brains and bodies to function normally. Cutting down on the quality and quantity of your child’s sleep could lead to side effects such as headaches, irritability, anxiety and of course stress. Good sleep has been shown to improve grades at school. Creating a conducive environment for your child in his room helps facilitate sleep. Avoid having gadgets like TV’s, video games and cell phones in your child’s room.
  • Enrolling Your Kids In Fun-Centric Activities: Do some research on clubs around your area that organize fun-based activities. Enrolling kids in such clubs will help them unwind from their rigorous routines. Some examples of activities at such after-school fun clubs are drawing, painting, playing musical instruments, story-telling, book reading and much more. There is something to suit every child’s interest.
  • Play: Unsupervised playtime has a very calming effect on kids. Encourage your child to step out every day and play with kids around. It will help your child on many levels. Playing helps children develop on the emotional, social and physical front. It helps the brain release feel-good chemicals which boost the mood and significantly lowers stress levels. You can also use play as an opportunity of bonding with your child one on one. Kids find it very relaxing to spend time with their parents. Games like chess, scrabble, Ludo, table tennis, badminton, etc. are great for parents and children.
  • Set An Example: Kids have a tendency of emulating what their parents feel and do. Be the change you want to see in them. Give them a break. Relax by sparing a few minutes daily to meditate, do yoga or a simply go out for a walk with them.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, offer a wide range of programs for kids from 6 to 18 years of age. To enroll your child at the club, call at (254) 699 –5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Teaching Goal Setting To Kids

23. June 2018 Administrator Blog (0)
A major lesson to teach your children is that setting goals is important in order to become successful individuals in life. A child who learns the art of setting goals early in life is likely to succeed, as they know how to aspire for things, and also work towards achieving them.

Goal-setting is something that comes through practice, until it becomes a habit that comes naturally. Here is a look at some strategies that can be adopted to teach kids the importance of goal-setting.

  • The first thing to remember when trying to teach children how to set goals is that they learn what they see. Be a good example to your child, and involve them in the process of your own goals. When kids watch their parents taking their goals seriously, they are more likely to follow the same with their own goals. This could be something as simple as a goal to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, to complex goals like reaching a certain target at work.
  • As a parent, it is important to sit down with your children and have a conversation about goal-setting. Start by defining the term goal, and asking them questions about how important it is to set goals. This will help you identify any aspects of their thought process that might need to be worked on.
  • Age-old technique of rewarding children each time they achieve a goal does not fail. This works for kids of all ages, provided the reward is something that is enticing to them. You could do whatever works for your kids, such as stickers, stars, brownie points etc., and offer them a reward when they meet a certain goal.
  • Finally, involve yourself in the process of identifying goals for your children. You can opt for a visual method like a blackboard or notice board. You could also help them create a goal journal with simple entries like what their goal was, what they did to achieve it, and how they felt after they achieved it. This is a great way to keep them motivated, as they can always look back at their journal and draw inspiration to work harder towards future goals.

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, offer a wide range of programs for kids from 6 to 18 years of age. To enroll your child at the club, call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Ways To Encourage Your Child To Be Physically Active

14. March 2017 Administrator Blog, Youth Football (0)
Keeping kids physically active is important for their overall health and well-being.  However, with the progression of age and increased academic burden, it may get difficult to engage them in various physical activities. One of the simplest ways to do this is by enrolling them in a kids club. This will not only keep them physically active but also promote better sleep and provide a better outlook towards life. As a parent, you need to be committed towards increasing your child’s physical activity levels as it will have a lifelong impact on his well-being.

Below is a list of different ways in which you can encourage your child to be physically active:

  • Encourage participation in sports: It is important to let your child choose a sport that he loves as this will help him enjoy the activity a lot more. Be it football, basketball or badminton, the free time in between studies can be spent being physically active.
  • Become a good role model: You should set a good example in front of your children by exercising regularly. When children see their parents physically active, they tend to get more active themselves. Enlighten your children about the importance of exercise and try to involve them in your exercise routine. 
  • Plan age-based activities: The level of any physical activity should be according to the age of your child. For instance, if your child is a pre-schooler, you need to engage him in activities that assist in development of motor skills. On the other hand, school-aged kids can get involved in sports such as youth football, basketball, biking, trekking etc. Teenagers can attend gym classes, enroll in a gymnastic class or play any type of sport they enjoy.
  • Give outdoor time: You should send your child outside more often in order to encourage him to be more active. You can take your child to a nearby park to play Frisbee or accompany him while he rides a bicycle on the trail. Also, allow your child to spend more time with his friends as this is likely to make him more active.
  • Actively support your child: Buy good equipment that your child requires for a specific physical activity such as sports etc. Tag along to pick and drop your child when he goes to a kids club or practice sessions. Go and watch him play and make your child’s physical activity a priority. Play with him while you are in the park so that he enjoys being physically active and doesn’t see it as a strenuous activity.
  • Emphasize on the fun factor: Persuade your child to get involved in a variety of physical activities and help him learn new playing skills. Don’t focus on being too competitive and show complete confidence in his abilities. This will encourage him to be physically active.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, organize a wide range of sports and recreational activities for kids. To know more about the activities offered, call at (254) 699 – 5808.

Engaging Outdoor Activities For Kids In Texas

20. May 2016 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Outdoor activities should be an intrinsic part of kids’ daily routine to keep them physically active. Apart from physical fitness, playing outdoors also improves brain functioning and strengthens the immunity of kids. The activities imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and make them learn the importance of teamwork. Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, a renowned kids club in Killeen, TX organizes a wide range of engaging outdoor activities for its members.

Below is a list of some outdoor activities organized by the club:

  • Football: The club offers various football leagues for kids of different age groups. The game helps children improve their agility and strength. It also boosts their cardiovascular health and hand-eye co-ordination.
  • Basketball: The club offers three basketball leagues for kids in 2nd grade, 3/4 grade and 5/6 grade. Basketball is a high-intensity workout that helps children improve metabolism and ankle stability. The sport increases their co-ordination, concentration and mental agility to dribble, pass and shoot the ball.
  • Swimming: This activity is beneficial in maintaining physical and mental fitness. Learning to swim can protect your child in case of any water related emergencies. In addition, swimming is a low impact activity that promotes cardiovascular health and improves stamina, joint flexibility, strength, balance as well as posture. You can get in touch with the kids club in Texas to get your child enrolled in a swimming program.
  • Cheerleading: This activity inculcates team spirit and coordination skills. The club organizes various cheerleading programs for kids of age 7-12 years. The sport increase physical endurance, boosts self-confidence and inculcates leadership qualities in the children.
  • Baseball: Enroll your child in a kids club where he is taught and encouraged to play baseball. Apart from learning teamwork as well as discipline, your child will also enhance physical strength and develop a better hand-eye co-ordination by playing baseball.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, offer as wide range of outdoor activities for kids aged 7 to 12 years. Our club has experienced coaches to provide the best training to the kids and help them hone their skills in the specific sport. To know more about the procedure to enroll your kids in any of the activities, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Tips To Find The Right Summer Camp For Your Child

21. March 2016 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Summer camps help kids learn new skills, become independent and make new friends. They also offer an opportunity to experience memorable moments that they can cherish lifelong. The camps can build their overall personality and is the best utilization of their free time during the summer break. After weighing all the options, parents must encourage their children to make the best of their time at the camp.

Following are some tips that may help the parents to choose the right summer camp for their kids:

  • Consider the interests of the child: It is best to sit down with the child and know what kind of activities he is looking forward to in his summer break. Depending on his interests and expectations, you should shortlist from the many options available. A camp that offers what a child will enjoy will help him learn faster.
  • Is the camp accredited by American Camp Association (ACA): ACA approves camps on the basis of over 300 must-comply factors related with safety, hygiene, staff to kids’ ratio etc. If the camp is accredited, you can rest assured about the safety and benefit of your child.
  • Type of camps: There are day camps and overnight stay-away camps. You should discuss with the child what he/she is comfortable in. Some camps focus on a single activity and others offer a variety of programs. 
  • Cost of the camp: The duration, activities and facilities are some such factors which parents must evaluate before making up your mind. The cost may vary according to the activities offered in the camp. You may also look for discounts offered like early bird reservations, referral or sibling discounts.
  • Location: Decide if you would like to keep kids closer to home or you are fine with sending them far away. For overnight camps, the location becomes an even important factor as the beauty of the place and comfort levels of the terrain may affect one’s choice.
  • Make all inquiries: You must not hesitate in making all the inquiries over a phone call before making any decision. It is recommended to ask the camp organizer about the composition of other students attending (age group, gender ratio etc.), the experience of the staff, activities planned for the camp, etc.
If you are looking for a fun and exciting summer camp for your kids, consider Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas. We organize residential summer break camp for middle school students. For details about registration, feel free to call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.