Tag Archives | Lifestyle

5 Ways to Be a Happier Stay-At-Home-Parent

Posted on April 23, 2018 By Camilo Valencia in DIY, Fitness & Wellness, Lifestyle, Parenting, Uncategorized

The title might sound unbelievable to those parents who wish they were stay-at-home parents, but the reality is, being a stay-home-mom or dad is hard work. We have a few of those dedicated parents at Hollywood Learning Centers and we’ve seen it first hand.

Just imagine…

Waking up early in the morning to make sure everyone is ready for school and work. Making a healthy breakfast so everyone eats before leaving the house, packing a nutritious lunch and taking the children to school. Then imagine coming back home to pick up the mess made during the hectic morning, wash dishes, run errands, juggle between business and laundry or making beds and paying bills. Before you know it, is time to go to the store to buy groceries and start dinner. Let’s not forget at 3PM we have to pick up the children from school or Hollywood Learning Aftercare, help them with homework, take them to soccer practice or violin recitals, feed them dinner, attend to the husband…

As a stay-home parent, it is SO easy to get wrapped up in the lives of our children and house chores that we completely lose ourselves in the process. For that reason, we put together a list of 5 simple things you can do to be a HAPPIER stay-at-home parent:

Get Ready

Staying at home doesn’t mean we can’t get ready. Make sure to shower and change just as if you were going to work. Do not give up on yourself just because you are a stay-home parent. Dressing up can automatically change your mood. Show yourself respect and make time to tend to your basic needs daily.

Get Organized

When we have everything in its place and somehow of a routine going things are simpler to follow. Minimizing helps stay organized, labeling helps things have its place, color-coding helps differentiate, and encouraging everyone to put things back in its place and stay organized makes it a team effort. As far as a routine goes, we encourage everyone having a family calendar in a place everyone can see it (the kitchen or family room). That way we don’t over book ourselves.

Get Your Headphones

I don’t know about you guys, but music can make everything go so much smoother. Imagine waking up the kids with soothing music, cooking to jazz, working out to techno and making your own playlist based on your mood, holidays or occasions. With Spotify, it’s easy to find the right music for every moment and the best part you can listen to it on your phone, computer, or tablet.

Get a Hobby

Writing workshops, volunteering opportunities, Zumba or support groups are fun. Why not join in on the extracurricular fun? Any kind of outside activity will not only provide your with socialization, but it’ll also give you a chance to distress. There are plenty of events on https://www.eventbrite.com/

Get Some Rest…

Taking a break or a nap is not a sign of weakness. When a relative or friend offers taking care of the kids or helping around the house, say “yes!” Hollywood Learning Centers also has a few events for parents to be able to have a date night. Let’s not forget we are totally allowed to hire a babysitter every so often, when in need to for a desperate break. Do not think that by giving yourself a break or accepting support, you are in any way, not doing your job. You job is 24/7; you can take (and need) an occasional break.

We hope this list helps. Remember we will always have chaos and that’s okay, our house, lives, and children don’t have to be perfect. Embrace reality and acknowledge your efforts.

For more blogs like this one, subscribe to Hollywood Learning Centers’ blog.

Intuition in Children – Powerful Stuff!

Posted on March 23, 2017 By Fatima Zimichi in Uncategorized

In a world of high-tech computers, tablets, cell phones, video games, and apps, how can we teach our children about intuition and to be more in-tune with themselves?

I recently watched a documentary on Netflix called, “InnSaei,” which is the ancient Icelandic word for “intuition.” That documentary changed my entire perception of life, interactions with others, and what we’re teaching future generations.

Their argument is plain and simple: “Modern people are not in touch with their intuition.”

On one hand, I’d like to think they are wrong! On the other, it’s a fair statement considering most children are learning to use technology from a young age and as result we are all disconnecting from reality.

So the question is: How can we help our children connect in a world full of noise, distraction and stress?

There is no single system for it, but here a few things we got from the documentary:

Teach them about themselves

Besides intuition,“InnSaei” also means “to see within” which means to know oneself.

When children know themselves so well, they are also able to be aware of others. Why is this important? Simply because we want to raise children who know themselves well enough to be able to put themselves in other people’s shoes.

In this violent world, children with more empathy and kindness can make all the difference. The documentary features a British school that teaches children, from a young age, the part of the brain that acts or reacts based on their experiences.

Teaching our children about right and wrong is not enough, decision-making through both narrow mindedness and broad mindedness helps them focus on a particular issue or see the bigger picture when necessary. This school also teaches children about “Brain Breaks,” which is a way to pause when we need to, when upset, stressing, or when we need to be aware of a particular situation in order to make the best decision.

Teaching them to live the moment

Children are photographed since they are born and it does not stop there. We photograph them to celebrate their baptism, first birthday, graduation, first day in school, first performance and the list goes on and on.

Why? The only thing I can think of is to save beautiful memories for the future or to post them on social media. So are we living in the wrong time-frame and for others? What about living in the present and for ourselves?

Mindfulness and living in the moment can make children enjoy the present to the fullness. Imagine them jumping to a pool for the first time and having their parents’ eyes set on them through their own eyes and not a camera.

Children who are aware of their surroundings can enjoy their moment to the fullest, smell odors we might breeze through, be more courteous with others or react better and faster in moments of danger.

Parents, we have the tools in our hands. Let’s be the example and help them disconnect from technology when they have to connect more with their present mind, body and spirit.

Connecting them with Nature

“Nature is the silent witness of intuition,” stated the documentary.

The film emphasizes that we can’t have intuition without nature. Yet children in this generation barely play outside. Hollywood Learning Centers have gone in the opposite direction, taking children outdoors more often, implementing aerobics and other extracurricular activities so they can get to know their bodies.

Our summer and winter camps have lots of trips to parks and other natural-related environments because we want them to engage with nature, find their interests and develop their mental and physical capacities.

So, 3 things to try:

Let’s make an effort to disconnect our children from those bright screens (phones, tablets, TVs) and encourage them to read more books or play outside. At least during the weekends.
Let’s plan more trips to the park, fields or any other fun activities that will help them form a bond with mother nature. Examples: Plant a tree, buy a plant, teach them those outdoor games we used to play in our times (hide-and-seek, rope jumping, tag, monkey in the middle, etc.)
Intuition comes from experience. Let’s teach our children to listen to that little voice inside of them! Practice breathing and quiet exercises.

We have so many options to prepare our children for the future. Do you have questions about Hollywood Learning Center’s Curriculum, Summer Camp or Aftercare program? Contact Hollywood Learning Centers at (954) 922-8558

Hollywood Learning Centers’ Tips for Parent’s New Year Resolutions

Posted on January 5, 2017 By Fatima Zimichi in Uncategorized

New year, new resolutions! We do this year after year, and the motivation last till’ maybe February, March. I’m no exception! I want to succeed in my business, be the best at everything, have a healthy diet and a bikini body by the summer.

Could our unrealistic, over-achiever resolutions be the problem? Or perhaps we lose interest and motivation as the months pass by? Regardless of the reasons or excuses why resolutions don’t go as planned, we’re going to do things differently this year. Hollywood Learning Center’s moms and dads please join us.

Define Your Goals & Plan How to Get There

We all have goals and plans in the beginning of the year, yet very few know how to get there. Instead of writing our resolutions alone, how about we write how we’ll get there. Try to do it tonight, write them down in two separate lines. For example:

Stress Less (Resolution) – Plan: Don’t write unrealistic resolutions, don’t bring work issues home, find a hobby to devote 2 hours a week, drink wine for dinner, and take weekends off to spend with the family, get in-touch with nature, and find a book to let your mind run wild.
Eat Healthier (Resolution) – Plan: Avoid buying high-sugar juices and replace with water & lemon, incorporate more fruits and vegetables to meals, avoid fast food restaurants on the weekday, etc.

Don’t Do It Alone! Find a Resolution Buddy

I don’t recommend doing this alone. Find a resolutions buddy, your better half, a friend, or a coworker. Exchange each other’s resolutions, make sure you write them down, make a copy, so that they can hold you accountable. Choose your buddy wisely. Someone who’s strict, yet not annoying. Someone who cares to see you fulfilling your wildest dreams. Someone who won’t laugh at your goals. I have chosen my good ol’ college friend, Vanessa Thomas. Only because, she is far away and has an exterior perspectives of things and we are in constant communications. She knows me the best and I trust her the most. Who do you have in mind?

Have Fun With Your Resolutions!

Remember the resolutions are for you and the end goals are feelings, not materials, not impressions, not attempts. Experiences leads us to feelings, emotions, thoughts, memories. At the end of the day, we all want to be happy, excited, loved, wanted, or accepted, etc. Hollywood Learning Centers want our parents to be happy, successful, and well-balanced professionals and parents so our little ones can benefit from it. Our children breath the environment we provide for them and we have only a few years to make or break their future. Hollywood Learning Centers wants to work with you to make our children’s childhood unforgettable. Here is to a successful 2017!

For more information about our programs, call us at (954)922-8558.

Happy new year to you and your family!

Hollywood Learning Centers Show Preschoolers to be More Giving this Holiday

Posted on November 30, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Lifestyle, Parenting

With the holidays around the corner, toy commercials on Television reminds us it’s that time of the year again. Hollywood Learning Centers believes it’s the season to teach preschoolers about the real meaning of the holidays, family, and gratitude. As our preschoolers write their long gift lists this year, how about we teach them about the importance of giving rather than receiving.

Remind Your Preschoolers How Privileged They Are. . .

It’s understandable that as parents, we want to protect our kids from the cruel realities of this world. Poverty, hunger, orphans, and natural disasters are difficult to explain to a child. Find scenarios to teach your little ones how fortunate they are compared to those experiencing hunger and sickness. As difficult as it might be to point these things out, at times it’s necessary. You can also include prayers before meals and at bed time to thank God for our blessings. Gratitude can make a huge difference in their lives, because where there is gratitude, there is no space for selfishness.

A Preschooler’s Trash Is Another Preschooler’s Treasure

Most of us, children or adults, outgrow things to make room for what the new year brings. However, getting rid of our belongings sound easier said than done. My rule is, if they haven’t use it or wore it for a year, then most likely they won’t again. Make sure they get involved in the picking process. Explain to them that these objects will bring joy to less fortunate kids. There are several charities that make it easy to spread holiday cheer. Goodwill, Toys for Tots, Stuffed Animals for Emergencies are a few organizations that take new toys as well as gently used donations.

It’s Okay to Tell Your Preschooler “No”

Even though you want to get them the entire gift list, try not to get in the habit of buying everything they ask. I have actually sat down to watch TV with my little stepson and saw toy commercial after toy commercial. Honestly, I got just as excited as he did. I even began to make notes of the toys we liked. These marketers are good! As they grow, it’s important to teach our children to develop critical minds when exposed to the media, just like I did with the toy commercials. Remember, if they have it all then they won’t know what it feels like wanting and not having something.

It’s a lot easier to give in to this material world we live in than to fight the urge to spoil them with every cent to our name. I dare you to try it. It might make all the difference when raising a generous child.

For more blogs, subscribe to: Hollywood Learning Centers’: Parenting Survival Guide.

3 Holiday Tips for Children of Separated Parents

Posted on November 9, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Parenting

With the holidays around the corner, it’s important for separated parents to discuss what’s the plan this year. The reality is, holidays for these families are never easy, but as long as we make the best of it for the well-being of the little ones.

Hollywood Learning Centers put together 3 tips to guarantee a peaceful and joyful time:

1) It’s Always About the Children!

Children will be children. They want their mommy and daddy together. It’s important for children to see that if things didn’t work out, the benefits of having separated parents is getting the two of best worlds, including holiday celebrations. Communicate what the plans are to be on the same page as far as beliefs, celebrations, traditions, charity projects, gifting, etc. Keep in mind, it’s always about the children, which might suck for parents. As long as our little ones are happy and knowledgeable of the real meaning of the holidays.

2) Scheduling and Making the Transition Smooth

Some parents schedule time for one parent to spend the holiday during the day, while the other parent during the night. Others, prefer to alternate holidays every other year. As long as the children get to be with both parents, the exact day never matters. If we think about it, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s or other holidays always falls under different days. A child’s imagination can run wild! For parents who don’t have court guidelines, it’s important to plan drop off and pick up time, who’s driving, where and every detail to the “T.” And, please mommies and daddies, let’s make the transition smooth, cordial, and respectful. Parents are the two people our children love the most, let’s treat each other as such.

3) Let’s Make the Best of it!

It’s supposed to be the happiest time of year! Disagreements during these times is not an option. Agree the disagree, make sacrifices and remember that keeping the party at peace is better than being right all the time. There are many separated families that have been able to adjust to the reality of the situation. They get together and even gift each other presents. We don’t see them as much, they are not in commercials yet, but I promise they are out there. After, all why can’t we all get along.

For more blogs like these ones, subscribe to our blog: Parenting Survival Guide

Hollywood Learning Centers Know The Importance of Teaching Multiculturalism

Posted on October 12, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Lifestyle

Hollywood Learning Centers picked the Hispanic Heritage Month to promote not just our hispanic community, but also all those beautiful cultures that makes us unique. We want to celebrate our diversity!

We look at each and everyone of our students’ here at Hollywood Learning Centers and see their ancestors’ diversity. For that reason, we want to do something to learn about each other. Multicultural education promotes close working relationships among the school, home, and community in order to provide consistent expectations and mutual support. It is important to celebrate the diversity of cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and races of children around the world.

To give you a little background on our beautiful city of Hollywood, FL, where we’re all different. A recent census research suggest that although English is the first language with a 66.94%. Spanish language speaking residents account for 21.62%, French makes up 2.06%, Creole consisted of 1.32%, Italian comprised 1.12%, Romanian are at 0.91%, Hebrew at 0.88%, Portuguese 0.84%, and German as a mother tongue was 0.72% of the population.

Hollywood Learning Centers will like our preschool to promote multicultural awareness with our annual “Multicultural Food Festival” happening this Friday, October 14th.

The geography of our students’ countries, along with their popular cuisine, holidays, festivals, clothing, and language will be discussed and shared in a day full of food and traditional outfits runway.

Let’s teach our children about each other’s cultures by sharing a delicious dish and traditional attires so they understand how our differences make us unique!

Hollywood Learning Breakfast Ideas On the Go!

Posted on September 21, 2016 By Camilo Valencia in Fitness & Wellness, Parenting

Hollywood Learning Breakfast Ideas On the Go!

With Hollywood Learning Centers finally back in session some of us may be having trouble getting into the right routine to make it out the house on time (I know I am). There are essential things that need to be done before starting your day and eating a balanced breakfast is the most important one. They don’t call it the most important meal of the day for nothing, so we put together some fun and quick breakfast recipes to ensure breakfast is served.

Berry Almond Quinoa Salad: A healthy but fun morning wakeup food, packing a bunch of super ingredients. This yummy breakfast will ensure everyone gets their nutrition and energy to tackle the day.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup dry quinoa
1 pint strawberries, sliced (2.5-3 cups)
16 oz. fresh blueberries (1.5-2 cups)
1 cup cherries, pitted and sliced
2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon might work!)
Pinch of kosher salt
1/2 cup almonds, chopped

Directions:

Cook quinoa according to package directions.
Meanwhile, chop the fruit and place in a large bowl.
Mix the dressing ingredients (maple syrup, balsamic, lime juice, salt) in a small jar and adjust to taste if necessary.
Fluff cooked quinoa with fork and add to bowl with fruit. Combine. Pour on dressing and mix. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until serving time. Serves 2-3 as a main or 4-6 as a side.

Monster Green Smoothie: I think a smoothie can never go wrong. This recipe packs everything that ensures you and your children will have a productive day at school and will keep their tummy full for hours.

2 cups liquid of choice (we use fresh-squeezed orange juice, but have used coconut water and almond milk and both are great)
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup pineapple
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1-2 frozen bananas
boosts of choice (we use hemp hearts and chia seeds)

Nutella and Banana Sushi: It might not sound as yummy, but do not worry. This fun and inventive breakfast “sushi roll” imitates the design of a sushi roll by rolling Nutella bananas in a tortilla. This recipe is very quick and easy to make. For those little ones who don’t like bananas, you can replace the banana for other fruits. This recipe is one I am going to try out for myself.

Ingredients:

2 tortillas
4 tbsp Nutella
2 bananas

Directions:

Simply spread Nutella on the tortilla, and place your banana in the center of the tortilla, then roll in tortilla and banana in a compact roll, and then slice into pieces. There are plenty of ways to ensure that your most important meal of the day is an inventive and quick one, start your little ones’ day of with goodness and creativity.

For more blogs like this one, subscribe to Hollywood Learning Centers’ blog.

Is There Such a Thing as a Perfect Parent?

Posted on August 17, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Parenting

For the parents out there, have you ever stop and said: “Wow, I’m a heck of a parent,” or do you often find yourself questioning your parenting skills?

It seems as if parenting and guilt were cut from the same fabric . . “I should spend more time with my son, I shouldn’t be so rough with my little girl, I wish I can give them more, I didn’t had to yell at them, I totally forgot about soccer practice… and the list goes on…”

The reality is, nothing in this world is perfect and no matter how much you search for it, there is no single guidebook on how to raise kids. Parenting techniques and approaches vary from culture to culture and parent to parent. Each parent has a different journey. I put together a few things I learned from my parent’s parenting techniques:

Positive Parenting

“Yes, you can!,” although it sounds like a political slogan, these were the words of my mother. As cliche as that might sound, parents’ words can make all the difference. Ms. Fatima highlighted my strengths, complemented my talents, and encouraged my projects. As children grow into early childhood, their world will begin to open up. They will begin to explore and ask lots of questions. Their interactions with family and those around them will help to shape their personality. For that reason, is important to be positive. My father, for example, has always told me life is all about perspective. I remember being five the first time he spoke about the glass being half full or half empty. We all know the answer, of course. The optimist parent would say the glass is half full.

Discipline Consistency

As much as I love Full House and the rest of squeaky clean family shows like Seven Heaven and The Brady Bunch, real families don’t work this way. Not everything is fixed with a hug and not all children listen after being scolded. Every so often you’re bound to break your own rules, especially when they are little and adorable, but discipline consistency is key. Both of my parents have always agreed on what was allowable and forbidden. Simple things as bedtimes, diets, videogame regimen, homework routines, language choices, etc. For example, until this day I can’t seem to say the phrase, “I hate.” It was a bad word in my house. Make sure to be clear and consistent when disciplining your child. Even for separated parents, agreeing on manners, behavior, and discipline styles will avoid confusion for the children. Explain and display the behavior that you expect from them.

Now going back to the question: Is There Such a Thing as a Perfect Parent?

There is no such an alien among us. Who ever says they are a perfect parent is delusional or in denial. Ms. Fatima always says: Parenthood is what you make it, so come as you are, grab your babies and make the journey a special one. The years fly and before you know it, they’ll be taking care of you.

For more information about Hollywood Learning Centers, please call (954) 922-8558 and for more articles like this one, subscribe to our blog!

The Me! Me! Me! Epidemic Among Children

Posted on August 3, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Parenting

Drivers cutting in front of you in traffic, people closing the door behind them on your face, millennials stepping on you while chasing Pokemons, teenagers taking selfies on your face, preschoolers pushing classmates to be first in line, toddlers making fits at the grocery store for treats. I mean, I can go on and on, but I’m sure I made my point.

Does it sound familiar? Individualistic, self-centered, self-absorbed, selfie snapchatters, call it what you want, I call it : Me! Me! Me! I even have a theme song for every time I witness this behavior, whether they are young or old, familiar or strangers.

I actually came to terms with this epidemic a few years ago while attending a live speech about “Happiness,” by the Dalai Lamas. He spoke about the difference between community-oriented societies and individualistic cultures. There, I learned that individualism is the belief that one’s personal needs are more important than the needs of a society as a whole. You might think, that sounds like the millennial generations, but research suggest individualistic behaviors began at the turn of the 20th century with the Baby Boomers born after WWII.

It is no secret, we live in an self-centered society. The minute I left the Dalai Lamas’ speech, my friends and I took the train back to our hotel. While on the train, a gentleman sat right next to one my friends, he took his coat off and slapped my friend right on the face when he opened his newspaper. We all laughed and ever since that day, I began detecting this sort of narcissistic behavior.

How do we stop it? How do we raise our children not to grow up to be individualistic, self-centered, self-absorbed, selfie snapchatters narcissist? Well, I’m no expert on the Me-Me-Me syndrome, but one thing is for sure, acknowledging this epidemic is a good start. The man sitting on the train, most likely didn’t noticed my friend, neither did the guy cutting in front of me in traffic, or the woman who closed the door on my face at the bank, but that doesn’t make it “okay.”

We have to teach our children to:

1) Be Aware of Our Surroundings

This includes the people, animals and plants. To be aware of others teaches us to be compassionate, empathetic, welcoming and accepting. All these practices can help them deviate from self-centered and me-me-me tendencies.

2) Serve as an Example

As parents, we can prevent or decrease this behavior in our children by serving as an example. Let’s do the exact opposite of the me-me-me behavior and let’s teach our children how to be giving, kind, and patient. Next time you are driving, let others by patiently, wait for the person behind you before closing the door, give something away to charity every time you receive a gift. The ideas are countless and the impact measureless.

3) Ignore the Me-Me-Me Siren

Another thing parents can do, or avoid doing, is not always jumping every time the me-me-me siren goes off. Remember, children will go as far as you allow them and as much as we want to spoil them, we have to keep a balance routine for their sake, ours and society’s.

4) Me-Me-Me, Sing it!

You can make a song, a poem, a rhyme or a keyword to use it around your children every time they are displaying this kind of egocentric behavior. They will know what they are doing and either stop or laugh, but acknowledgement is the first step.

If you are curious to see if you or someone around you could have this Me-Me-Me syndrome, click here for a quick test (narcissistic personality inventory (NPI).

If you need to hear the me-me-me song, ask Ms. Fatima to sing it to you. I have sang it to her on a few occasions when necessary. For more blogs like this one, subscribe to Hollywood Learning’s blog!

How Rude! Secrets to Teach Our Children Manners

Posted on July 27, 2016 By Camilo Valencia in Lifestyle, Parenting

Teachings manners can be a difficult task for many parents, not only because of the components associated with discipline, but also because of parents’ hectic schedules. However, manners can go a long way, especially past a simple “thank you.”

Focusing on etiquette and knowing your children have manners can help them establish positive relationships as children and adults, and contribute to their overall success. For that reason we created a guide to teach our child manners (according by age) with the help of Disney’s Babble.

Infants(0-1 Years): Please and Thank You’s:

When speaking to our little ones it’s important to use phrases like “please” and “thank you.” When doing this we have to watch out for our tone of voice. If we modulate our tone when using social etiquette words, such as “please” and “thank you,” they will realize this is the norm and your example will guide them as they learn to speak. The idea is to incorporate these words in their every-day vocabulary from an early age. Try it, here at Hollywood Learning Center, we make sure to remind our little ones of their magic words all the time.

Smooth Touch:

Touch is something we all respond to, so it’s best to begin at an early age. Gently direct your baby on how to treat parents, siblings and pets. Teach them that hitting friends or family members is not okay and instead show them mannerism of love, such as handshakes, hugs, and pet rubs. By doing this you’ll be able to teach them the proper ways to touch and introduce the concept of cause and effect.

Toddler (2-3 years): It’s All About the Attitude!

As toddlers, your little ones will begin developing their personality. It is at this age, that they begin to repeat everything they hear or see. For that reason, it’s important for us parents and teachers to serve as example.

Toddlers are fun, but at times they can be very difficult to handle. They don’t call it the terrible two’s for no reason.

Sharing is Caring!:

At this age “mine” is something they repeat constantly. So showing them the power of sharing can be effective in reducing the use of the word “mine.” Lead by example share with them and those around you.

Table Manners:

Begin showing your little ones simple table manners. Don’t speak with your mouth full, use utensils, no elbows on the table, ask for objects too far of reach. Reminders come handy at all times and once again lead by example.

Patience:

Introduce to them the concept of patience. We live in a fast-paced society where everyone wants everything done fast. Teaching them about patience from young can begin by simply reminding them not to interrupt conversations or allowing siblings to play first while patiently waiting for their turns, without getting antsy.

Pre-K and Elementary School (4 – 9 years): Developing Who they are

As children prepare to attend pre-K and elementary school, it’s important to work with them on their interactions with others around them ranging from teachers to other students. Begin by observing their interactions with other children besides family members. Take them to social gatherings and see if they are using the manners taught at home or school. Here are just a few to keep in mind:

Greetings: Show them the basics of a proper greeting with these three easy steps: eye contact, a firm shake or hug, and an introduction of their names. A proper introduction will provide your children with a boost of confidence. Remind them that first impressions are priceless.

Thank-you Notes: Not everyone write thank-you notes, but showing gratitude is beautiful and not often taught. At a young age, children are often receiving gifts for their birthdays or holidays. Teach them the importance of showing gratitude by either signing or drawing a picture on thank you cards. By 6 or 7, they will have the writing skills necessary to write entire thank you notes themselves. Teaching this small gesture can make a huge difference in their lives.

Manners and etiquette might vary from culture to culture or even family to family. At Hollywood Learning Center, we make sure to encourage manners, but we can only do so much at school. Practicing these at home can go a long way. Keep checking our blog for more helpful parent tips.

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