Keeping Children Motivated in Their Extra-Curricular Activities

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Initial enthusiasm in after school activities tends to wane after the first excitement is over. This is but natural. The trick is to keep up the hard work even after this. How do you keep your child motivated? This is of particular importance when the child goes in for educational after school programs.

Make the career-academics connection early on:

Let your child understand how important studies are. Let him know that an excellent career is wholly dependent on wholesome learning. To develop his interest in studies, plan family activities that are connected with his studies. Emphasize the real-world connection to academics whenever possible.

Set goals:

Let your child know, through example, that hard work will be rewarded. If your child believes that achievement is a natural by-product of effort, he is more likely to put in hard work. Such children are also less likely to drop out of programs and college at a later stage.

Reward success:

When a child achieves something, it is necessary to praise his hard work. Positive reinforcements enhance confidence and increase self-esteem. Conversely, beware of criticism. It can ruin the frail ego of children and play havoc with their minds.

Pick up your Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids - Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.

Burning Out on Extra-Curricular Activities

For millions of parents around the world, the day does not end with the school bell. There are still pictures to be painted, songs to be sung and games to be played. This all adds up to keeping children happy, safe and out of trouble. But, parents have to steer away from going overboard.

After school is not baby-sitting:

After school activities thrive only if it is backed by sufficient parental involvement. What would a soccer match be without parents cheering their little heroes from the sidelines?

Research and choose:

Instead of convenience being the decisive factor, find out things that will interest your child. Once you select a program, get the fine print and find out what you have to contribute.

Free time:

Many children attend piano classes, followed by ballet and squeeze in some time for play dates in between just before they rush home in time for bed. This rigor is too much for a child. So, go slow.

When to quit:

Often, parents enroll their child in an activity to discover that he may not be the prodigy they thought he would be. This is the time to let go. Your child may not become the next wonder-kid. But, let him cultivate an interest that he enjoys. Remember, happiness and fulfillment are all that matter.

To learn more check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids - Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.

What is a Bride’s Friendship Bag?

An old English tradition known as friendship balls has taken root in new form - the Bride’s Friendship Bag. Friendship balls were passed from mother to daughter, friend to friend - on special occasions. These balls were filled with a favor and were only passed to someone very special.

This has been a great tradition passed down through time. A Bride’s Friendship Bag is great spin-off on the way a bride can show appreciation to her wedding party members.

Many countries have different ways of giving favors - like Bulgaria, where they give a little basket with wheat and sweets or England where they give sugared almonds wrapped in a little material pouch. A Bride’s Friendship Bag can be used in any country, regardless of its origins.

Fast forward to today - many brides still carry on this tradition by giving gifts in a Bride’s Friendship Bag to their maid of honor, bridesmaids and close friends. The reason stands the same - showing appreciation and thanks for the person participating in your special day.

All maids of honor and bridesmaids love to receive a Brides Friendship Bag because it’s not only a great gift for them, but they also see it as a big thank you for the part they played in your wedding day.

Many of those who receive the gifts tend to keep them as a keepsake to remind them of your special day, something to look back on and think of the wonderful memories your day brought to you and your guests.

You can put anything you want in your Bride’s Friendship Bag. It can be as extravagant or as small as you wish. Maybe you want to put cosmetics or something small like chocolates and a card. In the end you know the people who will be receiving the bags so you know what they will like.

Although you don’t have to give a Bride’s Friendship Bag, it’s a unique way to deliver your traditional wedding favors in a keepsake that stands apart from what brides do and most couples seek out ways that they can shine - whether it’s through a unique wedding gown or the container in which they deliver their wedding favors.

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