11 Ways to Grow Family Time!

Do you want to spend more time bonding as a family?
 
Day-to-day tasks that need to be done at home would be a great place to start! Chores can teach your child the valuable skills and lessons they need for their future. In addition, chores give children a connection and a sense of purpose in your family.  

Our teachers at Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have compiled a list of chores you can do as a family around your home, including:

1.    Fold laundry
2.    Dust shelves
3.    Wash dishes
4.    Make beds
5.    Clean up toys
6.    Pull weeds
7.    Plant flowers
8.    Shovel snow
9.    Bring in light grocery items
10.    Cook or help prep dinner
11.    Clean spills and dirt
 
Imagine how fulfilled you’ll feel when your family feels a sense of closeness after you’ve added bonding time. The more time you spend together, the closer the family bond you’ll have for years to come!
 
Have you tried implementing something like this already in your home? Do you notice a difference in your family’s closeness or your child’s skills? If you decide to try some of these chores as a family, we’d like to know how it worked for your family.

Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have been serving Pittsfield Township, Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center. Call (734) 998-0233 to schedule a tour!

September Fun Family Events in Washtenaw County!

Are you bored of doing the same old thing every night?
 
Are you looking to do something fun and unique with your family this month?
 

It’s almost fall, so there are some fun events in town sure to get you excited about the upcoming holidays! Our kids experts here at Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have brainstormed a few great ideas for you:
 
To name just a few…

• Visit the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market
• Go see “Close Encounters”: a benefit for The Creature Conservancy
• Attend Downtown Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library
• Check out Wiard’s Orchards and Country Fair
• Go to the 42nd Anniversary Jamboree: Dawn Farm
• Spend some time at “The Littlest Scientist”: Ann Arbor Hand-On Museum
• Run the Corn Maze at Talladay Farms
• Celebrate at the 7th Annual Harvest Festival: Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation

All of these events are family friendly, with many events, games, and fun for everyone!
 
For more events in your area visit: Ann Arbor Family.
 
Happy harvest!

Preschool in Ypsilanti Want to Know: Do you Set Technology Rules With Your Children?

Do your kids watch more than 2 hours of television per day?

Is your child addicted to video games?

Is your child on his or her cell phone during dinnertime?

In this day and age, it’s no surprise that kids have a hard time detaching from their electronic devices. However, it’s your job as a parent to ensure that your child has limits, so he or she has enough time to do homework, socialize, and play.

If you have a hard time setting limits, you’re not alone. Most parents have a hard time because they’re attached to technology themselves. You must be a digital role model if you want your kids to follow in your footsteps.

If you want more family time than screen time, our preschool Ypsilanti teachers suggest the following:

• Establish places in your home where technology isn’t allowed
• Set times aside where the family must remain unplugged from technology
• Use parental controls that allow you to see what your child is doing on the internet
• Get your child’s passwords
• Encourage activities other than something that involves technology
• Talk to your child about potential risks

In following some of these suggestions for setting technology rules, you should see an improvement. Your child will be more active, while hopefully making new friends, which will allow them to be happier and healthier in the long term!

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how it works for you. In addition, are there any other tips that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments!

We hope this information will help you become more aware of how and when you use technology. At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.