It may be common knowledge to find out how much something weighs, you put it on a scale. We weigh everything to determine weight, from food to cars to furniture to people. In fact, for people, getting weighed is part of life. From the moment we are born, and at every doctor's appointment, we step on the scale to see how much we weigh. Yet, weight isn't always a determining factor in our health. Which is where the BMI chart steps in.

To get an accurate health reading, doctors focus more on a person's Body Mass Index, a term first used in the mid-19th century, although it wasn't until 1972 when Physiologist Ancel Keys gave it a modern name and coined the acronym BMI. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure by healthcare providers, researchers, and fitness experts to assess an individual's overall health.

BMI serves as a screening tool to indicate potential health risks but is not designed to diagnose an individual’s overall health and has been criticized for not being accurate in the past. For example, someone who has low fat but excess muscle can have a skewed BMI.

Based on the BMI chart below, you can calculate your BMI to see if it indicates you are underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. If you score below 18.5, then your BMI is underweight. A healthy weight is between 18.5 and 24.9. 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Anything over 30 is obese. Once you know your BMI score, keep reading to learn more about your BMI.

Underweight

Although most people think health risks only come with being overweight or obese, this is also true for being underweight. If you're underweight, your doctor will likely help you come up with a plan to gain weight. Health risks from being underweight include osteoporosis, anemia, weakened immune system, fatigue, and irregular periods.

Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is best for you. It allows your body to function as needed. Staying a healthy weight can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer. To maintain a weight in this category, make sure to continue eating the right amount of calories and get regular exercise.

Overweight

If your BMI is in the overweight category, then you should consider what needs to be done for you to get into the healthy weight category instead of increasing your BMI to the obese category. Reducing your daily caloric intake and incorporating some exercise into your routine will be pivotal to reducing your BMI.

Obese

If your BMI is 30 or above, it is considered to be in the obese category. If, after testing, it is true that you are obese, your doctor will likely speak with you about a plan to lose weight. Being obese is known to increase health risks and diseases. Some of these include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cancer, body pain, and mental illness.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©vadimguzhva / Getty Images.

The post A Practical BMI Chart for Women’s Wellness and Fitness Goals appeared first on Moms Who Think.

The term BMI was first used in the mid-19th century, although the acronym wasn't officially coined until 1972 when Physiologist Ancel Keys gave it a modern name. An acronym for body mass index, it has always been the indicator for researchers, health care providers, and many personal trainers for how healthy a person is.

BMI, or body mass index, is calculated by taking your weight and dividing it by your height. There are four BMI categories: healthy weight, underweight, overweight, and obese. Although your BMI will not directly measure your body fat, it can often closely predict the percentage of body fat, helping to understand your metabolism or the possibility of disease.

A person's BMI is often used as a screening tool but not as a tool to diagnose the overall health of an individual and has been criticized for not being accurate in the past. For example, someone who has low fat but lots of muscle can have a swayed BMI. Their BMI might say they are overweight or obese when really their weight is made up of muscle instead of fat.

Based on the chart below, you can calculate your BMI to see if it indicates you are underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. If you score below 18.5, then your BMI is underweight. A healthy weight is between 18.5 and 24.9. 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Anything over 30 is obese. Once you know your BMI score, read below to find out what you need to know about your BMI.

Underweight

Although most people think health risks only come with being overweight or obese, this is also true for being underweight. If you're underweight, your doctor will likely help you come up with a plan to gain weight. Health risks from being underweight include osteoporosis, anemia, weakened immune system, fatigue, and irregular periods.

Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is best for you. It allows your body to function as needed. Staying a healthy weight can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer. To maintain a weight in this category, make sure to continue eating the right amount of calories and get regular exercise.

Overweight

If your BMI is in the overweight category, then you should consider what needs to be done for you to get into the healthy weight category instead of increasing your BMI to the obese category. Reducing your daily caloric intake and incorporating some exercise into your routine will be pivotal to reducing your BMI.

Obese

If your BMI is 30 or above, it is considered to be in the obese category. If, after testing, it is true that you are obese, your doctor will likely speak with you about a plan to lose weight. Being obese is known to increase health risks and diseases. Some of these include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cancer, body pain, and mental illness.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Kashif Furqan/Shutterstock.com.

The post Free, Straightforward BMI Chart for Women’s Health Goals appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Your BMI is a great indication to know if you're currently healthy. BMI is an acronym for body mass index. Body mass index is calculated by taking your weight and dividing it by your height. There are four BMI categories: healthy weight, underweight, overweight, and obese.

Although your BMI will not directly measure your body fat, often it can closely predict the percentage of body fat, helping to understand your metabolism or the possibility of disease. BMIs are often used as screening tools but not as tools to diagnose the overall health of an individual. For example, someone who has low fat but lots of muscle can have a swayed BMI. Their BMI might say they are overweight or obese when really their weight is made up of muscle instead of fat.

Health professionals often use BMI to determine if further health assessments are required. If a BMI seems to show risks, your doctor may do assessments. These assessments can be diet evaluation, skinfold measurements, a look at family history, underweighting, or bioelectrical impedance.

Based on the chart below, you can calculate your BMI to see if it indicates you are underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. If you score below 18.5, then your BMI is underweight. A healthy weight is between 18.5 and 24.9. 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Anything over 30 is obese. Once you know your BMI score, read below to find out what you need to know about your BMI.

Underweight

Although most people think health risks only come with being overweight or obese, this is also true for being underweight. If you're underweight, your doctor will likely help you come up with a plan to gain weight. Health risks from being underweight include osteoporosis, anemia, weakened immune system, fatigue, and irregular periods.

Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is best for you. It allows your body to function as needed. Staying a healthy weight can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer. To maintain a weight in this category, make sure to continue eating the right amount of calories and get regular exercise.

Overweight

If your BMI is in the overweight category, then you should consider what needs to be done for you to get into the healthy weight category instead of increasing your BMI to the obese category. Reducing your daily caloric intake and incorporating some exercise into your routine will be pivotal to reducing your BMI.

Obese

If your BMI is 30 or above, it is considered to be in the obese category. If, after testing, it is true that you are obese, your doctor will likely speak with you about a plan to lose weight. Being obese is known to increase health risks and diseases. Some of these include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cancer, body pain, and mental illness.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©kenary820/Shutterstock.com.

The post A Straightforward BMI Chart For Women (Free) appeared first on Moms Who Think.

A chart that lists every letter of the alphabet is known as an alphabet chart, alphabet poster, or an ABC chart. Some free ABC charts for children usually include images that depict the sounds of each letter and words that describe each letter.

The fundamental unit of the educational system is the beloved alphabet. Exposing children to the alphabet from a young age helps them to recognize and memorize letters in order to advance their linguistic abilities. Kids will concentrate on learning words and sentences to improve their communication abilities after being familiar with the alphabet.

Benefits of ABC Chart for Children

Here are a few advantages of a free ABC Chart for children:

• Enhances memory: Teaching kids the alphabet using ABC charts enables them to remember for a long time to come the information they have learned.
• Alphabet recitation: With the help of these charts, children will be able to confidently recite the alphabet aloud. To be able to recite the alphabet, they must first be able to distinguish the letters.
• Alphabet recognition: Children can efficiently recognize the letters with the use of ABC charts. When you ask them, they can quickly identify the letters. Children will find it challenging to recognize the letters without recognition. These charts are very simple and straightforward enough for children to understand. With enough practice, kids can readily distinguish the images and letters on the chart.

• Background: Children will find these charts to be visually appealing. They may focus on what they are learning when there are lots of illustrations. Throughout the entire learning process, you can be sure that your kids will remain focused and have fun!
• Allowing for flexibility: Children can learn the alphabet at their own pace. ABC charts can be downloaded and printed out for frequent letter practice.
• Simple to download: It's simple to download these free ABC charts for children. A variety of charts are available that might make learning the alphabet fun for children. This is a great way to help kids improve their reading and writing abilities, in addition to helping them recognize and repeat letters. Kids can do some writing practice with the 26 letters on the ABC chart at home to get their schooling started.
• Fun and engaging: By using free ABC charts, children can get more actively involved in learning letters. They can use these charts in a variety of alphabet learning exercises.
• Improvement in academic performance: Learning the alphabet will help children perform better in school. After becoming familiar with the alphabet, kids will begin to concentrate on words in order to learn a new language. Children can learn the letters using an ABC chart, which will aid in the development of both gross and fine motor skills.
• Developing a child’s self-confidence: If children are familiar with letters, they will feel more at ease and be more willing to explore possibilities for learning the English language.

Ways to Assist Your Child in Learning the ABCs

There is little doubt that teaching your child the ABCs will help them excel in school and in life. But what can parents do right now to ensure that their kids learn the alphabet? The following are some quick fixes you can use:

1. Practice the ABCs with your kids

Because learning is enjoyable, it's simple for kids to learn their ABCs. Create a great game out of learning the alphabet rather than making it about memorization. For younger children, specially created games, video clips, and even ABC charts are excellent instructional aids since they make learning seem like fun rather than a chore.

Straightforward and fun activities, such as one of the most well-known ABC games, “I Spy,” are some of the ways you can use to help your kids learn the alphabet. In this game, kids have to point out objects that begin with the designated letter. In order to turn snack time into a fantastic learning experience, you could also get magnetic letters to place on your fridge.

Choose an alphabet letter from the fridge, then ask your child to spell and list five words that start with that letter. This is known as writing the ABCs. Kids can learn to write while they are learning the phonics sounds with the aid of ABC charts and workbooks. Remember, simply make it enjoyable, and your kids will take care of the rest. Alphabet word games don't have to be challenging or difficult to be really effective.

2. Use Their First Name to Teach

When teaching the ABCs to your child, you can start with their name because it's one of the first words they recognize. Start by using cut-out letters to spell out the child's name on their bedroom door, a piece of art they made, etc.

Once they have learned it, continue to practice and give them praise to help them recognize and recall each letter in their name. You can start playing easy alphabet games with the letters in their name once they have mastered the letters in their name. Therefore, for example, if the child's name is Jake, begin by listing three to five simple words that begin with “J,” repeat them until they are in their memory, and then go on to “A,” and so on.

The idea is to get kids interested in learning their ABCs while keeping it straightforward enough for them to achieve quick victories and gain confidence. Saying out your child's names aloud when they start to recognize pictures and letters is a great way to get them started to let them join in on the fun activity. Playing games with the alphabet is also a terrific way to bond with your kids.

3. Grab Their Attention for Storytelling Early

The majority of kids start learning their alphabet by listening to their parents read them stories. Regular reading helps your child realize that the stories change depending on the text within the books (or iBooks) and that the text is made up of letters from the alphabet. Most importantly, it helps them develop better communication skills. From there, you can start teaching the ABCs by reading aloud to your child and sounding out the words.

It is crucial to go over the ABC chart step-by-step with your child before you begin teaching using it. The fundamental method is to first point at each letter and then read out the words to each image.

Begin by pointing to the letter's name and image while reciting it. It's crucial that you move through the alphabet chart at the proper pace. Your kid will become bored and lose interest if you go too slowly. They will also lose interest and become confused if you go too fast!

For instance, ABC animal charts are used to teach kids the names of animals, and so on. ABC fruit charts are used to teach them the names of fruits.

By repeating only pictures or letters, you can either simplify or complicate the session, depending on your child's ability (and range of attention!). To add variation, you may instead give each character a phonic sound.

Various Ways to Use the Free ABC Chart for Children

Free ABC charts for children with appealing images are available online or in bookstores. With young children, you must always have these charts available. These charts can be printed out and hung on the wall for letter practice. Here are a few suggestions for how to make the best use of an ABC chart with kids: 

• Take your kids on a nature walk: Using an ABC chart, you can instruct kids to look around the outdoors and identify objects that begin with the letters on the chart. I for insects, S for sticks, F for frog, L for log, etc. are a few examples.
• Go on an exploration adventure: Get your kids to look for alphabet-related objects around the house using an ABC chart to guide their exploration. You may, for instance, invite children to bring items that begin with the letter B. They'll bring a bucket, a bike, a ball, etc. The same applies to asking kids to search objects for additional letters.
• Color the alphabet: For kids, coloring is a fun hobby. Kids are able to sit and color nonstop! So that they can learn the alphabet by heart, you can ask them to color the letters. Kids' hand-eye coordination will also improve as a result of coloring.
• Encourage your kids to practice writing the alphabet: It is crucial for kids to practice writing the alphabet's letters so they can learn words and sentences for efficient communication. Children should be given the alphabet worksheet so they can write all 26 letters.
• Compare alphabets: It's crucial for kids to learn lowercase letters in addition to uppercase letter recognition. You might ask kids to put together the lowercase letters and their uppercase matches to help them learn both cases.
• Read the letters of the alphabet aloud: Alphabets should be recited aloud to children using ABC charts. They will benefit from this as it will help them recall the letters and help them remember them for a long time. Moreover, make sure you practice this frequently so that kids can properly understand the alphabet.
• Using playdough to make letters of the alphabet: Playdough and children’s molding clay can be used to help kids create fun, alphabet-themed crafts. Give your kids the clay and dough and instruct them to create alphabets to be stuck to the chart. Kids will have a deeper understanding of the alphabet while also honing their creative abilities through this. In addition, you might instruct them to create something that begins with each letter of the alphabet. Apple, Ball, Chair, etc. are a few examples.
• Sing a fun, upbeat alphabet song: Singing an alphabet song to your kids to help them learn their letters in an entertaining way will definitely make learning the letters fun and memorable for kids. Sing and dance the song to a rhythmic beat and watch them sing along!
• Find the alphabet: Have kids look around the chart for an alphabet. For instance, you could systematically ask them to find the letter A followed by additional letters. Using this, kids will learn the alphabet by being able to distinguish the 26 different letters.
• Cutting out letters and pasting them on a chart: Give the kids alphabet coloring sheets. Ask them to cut and paste the alphabet on the chart. You can check to see if the letters were pasted in alphabetical order.

Using an ABC Chart

A free ABC chart for children can be used by parents, guardians, and instructors in a variety of settings, including writing and reading workshops, small groups, in class, and even at home. Here’s how to use this adaptable chart:

1. Using an ABC Chart to Teach the Alphabet

Teach young kids how to sing the alphabet song while pointing to the letters on the a, b, and c chart. Especially around the letters l-m-n-o-p, have them sing slowly so they can follow along while pointing to each letter.

2. Sound/Letter Association

Use a letter sounds chart to help children connect the letters to their respective sounds. As you recite the name of the letter and the picture, tap on each letter and the corresponding image. Then, when you say the letter's sound (e.g., A..a..alligator, /a/…/a/…alligator), touch on each letter and image once again.

3. Alphabet Chart Matching Game

Ask the children to locate the letters on the ABC chart and give them magnetic alphabet letters or alphabet tiles. Have them overlay the magnetic letter over the letter on the chart when they find the matching letter. The kids' letter memory will improve as they work as quickly as they can.

Start off with a few letters if possible, and keep your progress in line with their pace. While dealing with a small group of kids, you could also have them compete against one another by giving them each a stack of letters. While dealing with a single kid, time their placement of the letters on the chart, then challenge them to beat it.

4. Letter Search

Children find joy in looking for things. Give each student an ABC chart and ask them to put on their pretend detective hats for this enjoyable game. As you set out on a letter hunt, describe the sound the letter makes, and have your kids look for it and call it out when they spot it. For example, ask them to identify the letter that produces the sound /p/. They look for it and when they locate it, they immediately point to it, and the game starts afresh with a different letter.

5. Reading Using ABC Charts

While your child reads, have an alphabet chart nearby. Ask them to consult the chart to locate the first letter of any words or sounds they come across in order to determine what sound they make. Once they identify the sound, they should try it once more with the unfamiliar word (now that they know the beginning sound).

6. Writing

Show your kids how to use this chart to write words they sound out. For example, tell your kids, “I know bat starts with /b/…/b/, what else starts the same way?” Look at the chart and find ‘bear'. “/b/../b/..bear…bear and bat both start with /b/. The word ‘bat' must begin with b.” They’ll write ‘b’ on their paper. Give them a copy of the ABC chart to keep in their writing notebook or folder.

Conclusion

Free ABC charts for children with all letters from A to Z were created with children's needs and interests in mind. You can play alphabet games with kids to improve their educational experience and ensure that they enjoy learning their letters. Try making the ABCs a part of your kids' daily routine by using any of the methods explained above. You can also try making or downloading free ABC charts for children with various themes if you want to help your kids learn their letters. 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©maroke/Shutterstock.com.

The post Free Abc Chart For Children appeared first on Moms Who Think.

As your children grow up, it is important that they get involved with the household chores. By becoming a helpful part of their home environment, they can do their part to help their family to operate like a finely tuned machine. Plus, they will learn a lot about jobs and responsibilities. Today, we present you with a free printable chore chart along with tips for how to help your kids to get involved and the importance of doing so.

Key Points

• A chore chart can help kids stay organized and aware of what they need to do.
• Chores help teach your kids responsibility and important life skills.
• Make sure you pick chores that are appropriate for your child's age.

The Importance of a Printable Chore Chart

While there are many important reasons to have your kids help with the chores (more on that later), it is also essential that you hold your kids accountable and that everyone shares the responsibilities. If you have a large family with multiple children, then everyone should contribute based on their age and abilities. 

A printable chore chart can help. Make one or several copies and then place them on the refrigerator, in the kid’s rooms, or in another community area of your home where everyone will see them. When they look at it, they will be able to instantly tell what chores they have left to do and which are already done. When they finish a chore, they can mark it off of the list. It is a feeling that can be incredibly rewarding and it may encourage your kids to do everything else they have on their list.

The particular printable chore chart below allows you to mark down who is responsible for tasks, such as cleaning the living room, hallways, garage, bathroom, outdoor patio and more. Plus, you have slots for washing the dishes and miscellaneous tasks like taking out the trash, vacuuming, and painting the fence outside. Print the chart below, put it into practice, and you will really see how clean your house can get.

Why Kids Should Have Assigned Chores

There are numerous reasons why parents should put their kids in charge of particular chores around the house. 

Chores Teach Life Skills

Your kids learn a lot of stuff in school, but they don’t always learn the life skills that can help them to thrive when they grow into adults. Children need to know how to wash and dry the dishes, clean their space, and take care of their belongings. By having them do at least minimal chores, they will learn some of these important life lessons.

Learn About Money and Budgeting

If your kids earn an allowance for completing their chores, then they can learn a lot about saving and budgeting their money. When your children want to buy something, like a video game or toy, you can tell them that they can earn the funds by doing their chores. Once they earn some money, you can also open a bank account for them so they can learn about putting their earnings in a good place so they can earn for a future purchase.

Understand Teamwork

By using a printable chore chart, you can also teach your kids about working as part of a team. When one of your kids washes the dishes, another dries them, and another puts them away, they will learn how they can work as one unit to accomplish a goal. The same can be said if your kids work together out in the yard, they help to clean a room, or anything else they take on.

Improve Time Management Skills

When your kids have chores in addition to school, homework, and time out with their friends, they will learn a lot about time management. This is especially true if you require that your kids complete their chores before they are allowed to go out. It can be incredibly beneficial for them to learn time management now because their lives will only get more complicated as they grow. Enact a good routine today and they will be set to go as they become adults.

Opportunities to Bond

If you have several of your kids working on similar projects, then they will have plenty of time to talk and bond. There is something about working towards a common goal that is great for helping your kids to connect. Parents can also choose to help the kids with their chores and talk to them and forge a stronger relationship. 

Chores For Your Kids Per Age

Parents that are scratching their heads thinking of chores for their kids to do are in luck. Below is a list of chores for different age groups:

Chores for Kids Ages 2-3

• Put toys away
• Put clothes in the hamper
• Wipe up spills
• Pile magazines and books

Chores for Kids Ages 4-5

• Make their bed
• Clear the table
• Water the flowers
• Help unload utensils from the dishwasher

Chores for Kids Ages 6-7

• Help sort the laundry
• Set and clear the table
• Clean their bedroom
• Help with yard work
• Sweep the floors

Chores for Kids Ages 8-9

• Load dishwasher
• Vacuum
• Mop floors
• Take pets for a walk

Chores for Kids Ages 10+

• Unload dishwasher
• Do laundry
• Babysit younger kids
• Clean the kitchen
• Change bed sheets
• Wash the car

How Many Chores Should I Give My Child?

How many chores you give your child is going to vary based on a lot of factors, like how many children you have and how busy your child is outside of the home. For example, if your child does a lot of extracurricular activities, it might make sense to give them fewer chores than a sibling that doesn't have any extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities should not, however, completely excuse a child from chores. Children should learn that tasks around the home are important.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that your child deserves time to relax and have fun. While chores are an important part of their development, they should never take up a majority of or all of a child's time at home. Start with a couple of chores, and then add more over time as needed.

Conclusion

As you can see, a printable chore chart can do wonders for your household. Hold your kids responsible for their own chores and you will teach them lessons that they will take with them for years to come.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ilike/Shutterstock.com.

The post Free Printable Chore Chart For Your Household appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Whether it’s for the holidays, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway – flying with kids can be hard. Knowing the best travel practices will help to alleviate further headaches down the line. We have some tips and tricks to help.

When making decisions for your upcoming travel, try and plan with four stages in mind. The first stage is the preparation you can put in before you even get to the airport. The next stage is getting your little ones to the airport. Take advantage of any pre-flight time to get them ready for the long (or short) trip. Once you're on board, gears shift to keeping them entertained and happy during their time in the air.

And finally, we'll discuss the landing stage, getting off the plane, and out of the airport, and the next exciting chapter of your trip. Continue reading for some tips and tricks for each of these important stages while flying with kids.

Key Points of Flying with Kids

• Be prepared. Flying and airports can be a very stressful experience for adults, let alone for kids.
• Make sure to try your best to make flying a fun experience for your little ones.
• Just because you've touched down doesn't mean the travel experience is over for your little ones. Be sure to organize your things in an efficient and effective way to minimize the time and stress it takes to deboard and leave the airport.

In Preparation For Flying

In terms of preparation, here are a few pre-flight things to keep in mind: 

• Direct flights minimize airport time. This way you’re also less likely to use up valuable activities they could otherwise be doing on the plane. Booking flights that match up with a nap time might be best for keeping your little one’s schedule on track while flying with kids. 
• Be sure to book your seats together. If you can't, some passengers might be willing to trade. Either way, it’s one less thing to think about as you board your flight. If someone doesn't want to switch with you speak with the stewards to discuss possible options.
• The “kid friendliest airlines,” according to Sevencorners.com, include JetBlue, Virgin America, SouthWest, and Alaska Airlines. Each of these airlines offers special deals for families traveling with kids. Benefits Include reserved family rows, free carry-on bags, changing tables in the lavatory, kid-friendly meals, and personal entertainment tablets for use during the flight. 
• If you find yourself having to fly a non-kid friend airline, maybe investing in a cheap tablet could be worth the additional purchase to avoid the potential stress.
• Be sure that strollers/car seats are TSA approved so you don’t run into any red tape before takeoff. 
• Take a look at the map of the airport you’re departing from. Once you’ve booked your tickets, you can usually see your gate. This will at least give you an idea of where things are on departure day. 
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry might be worth looking into. PreCheck enables you to go through a much faster version of the security line. Especially when you have small ones in tow, PreCheck can be a stress reducer. TSA PreCheck is $78 for 5 years and if your child is under 12, they are included in your PreCheck status (via tsa.gov). Global Entry costs $100 for application to the Trusted Traveler Program. This fee applies to any adult or child, regardless of age. Global Entry expedites your entrance into the United States from abroad. It may be a better option if you are flying with kids internationally, more than once a year.
• Packing can always be tricky for planes! Be sure to bring some of your kids’ comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal, pacifier, etc.) It’s also a great idea to pack a change of clothes, specifically layers for your little one. Planes can be very cold or your young one could start running hot and in these instances, being able to add or subtract a clothing layer will be a really good resource. 
• If you’re bringing formula or pre-pumped breastmilk for your flight, it’s important to know that these liquids are exempted from the 3.4 fluid ounces rule when going through TSA (via tsa.gov).
• When traveling internationally it's vital to research your intended country's customs laws and what you are allowed to bring in terms of breastmilk, formula, and size limits.
• Consider portable charging banks and pre-downloaded flight entertainment.

Once You're Getting Ready to Fly

Reaching the airport is when the stress of flying with kids can truly begin to set in. Depending on the flight time or layover time, being ready to go is the best option. Once you reach the airport here are some steps to take to get on your flight in the most relaxed manner:

• Make sure you have your in-flight activities in a bag that is easily reachable once you board the plane. Other things you, yourself may need should also be easily accessible.
• Reserving food on the plane or packing it ahead of time, do what’s best for your family! Sometimes it’s easier to eat before your departure or to pack snacks or a pre-made dinner to know you’re covered on the flight. There is nothing more stressful to deal with than a hungry child in a tight metal tube.
• Use the bathroom! Even though there’s one on the plane, it’s always a good time to go. Just in case you can avoid an on-flight accident!
• Once you’re at the gate, you can take advantage of pre-boarding, which airlines offer to families traveling with young children. The policy is often based on the airline so check in with your gate agent upon arrival. 

One thing to note is that pre-boarding, while handy, does mean your child will be on the plane waiting for longer. If your child doesn’t do well with waiting, it may be better to board with your group at the front of the line. You can also just wait and board last if you’re not worried about overhead space for your carry-on luggage (via tripsaavy.com).

• Kidshealth.com recommends the use of acetaminophen 30 minutes before the flight to relieve ear pain from the change in altitude pressure.
• Kid's strength Dramamine could be used if your child gets motion sickness but consult with your doctor beforehand.

Once You're On Board The Airplane

So you’ve made it to your seats, and off you go! Here are some things to help you while you're flying with kids:

• If your child is able, chewing gum during takeoff or landing will help with ear pressure. Alternatively, babies can nurse, swallow or yawn to help with the change in pressure.
• Firstly, try and encourage them to enjoy their experience riding a plane. Have them look out the window, take a short walk down the aisle, etc. Provide entertainment once boredom has truly set in – flying can be a cool experience!
• Check out some printable activities, and bring coloring books, picture books, etc. Amazon offers a wide range of toys to travel with, including the Orsen LCD Writing Tablet for Kids and sensory toys that can keep your child engaged in flight.
• Make use of the pre-downloaded entertainment or if the flight offers tablets, find something your small one will enjoy.

What To Do When You've Finally Landed

Your plane has touched the ground, flight attendants are preparing the doors to open, and your little one can't wait to get off, or maybe they're fast asleep:

• Take a moment to gather your things. Make sure nothing dropped below the seat or was left in the seat pocket in front of you or your child.
• Use the bathroom, again! Just to efficiently move through the last steps at the airport, be sure to check this off your list before gathering your bags, if you checked any, and moving to the transportation section of the airport.
• Enjoy your trip! You’ve made it through all the stages and you did it in, hopefully, one piece!

Traveling with your child or children can be stressful if you let it. Of course, things might go wrong. You'll miss a connection, TSA might take longer than expected, or maybe your child is simply not having the airport experience. However, with these tips and tricks what could be a stressful travel day could be a joyous new experience for you and your child.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Tomsickova Tatyana/Shutterstock.com.

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Our printable mazes are a great way to help your child improve their small motor skills while having fun. Easily printable, the mazes are great to take along on car rides, when kids need to wait for any period of time or just as a boredom buster around the house.

You can print as many printable mazes as you like, perfect for the classroom or any kids group. From beginner to older kids, mazes are guaranteed fun!

To print any of the mazes :

Click the “Print” link in the upper right-hand corner of each printable maze page. A new window will open which will prompt you to print. Enjoy!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Armation74.

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Sometimes, waiting for Christmas to come can be hard. There's so much excitement over receiving gifts and doing fun winter activities. As parents, sometimes you need a break while you recover from the insanity of holiday shopping and other festivities.

That's where these coloring pages can come in. These pages will provide your child with a lot of fun, occupying them for some time and giving you a break! Plus, they can work on improving their fine motor skills and understanding of color with these pages.

We've got plenty of options for you to choose from. We recommend only printing a few at a time, and saving additional ones for other times when your child is bored or lacks something to do. Or, you can print them all at once and let each child pick one or two to color at a time.

If regular coloring isn't enticing to your children, turn it into a game or a competition. Who can color a whole picture the fastest (no scribbling!)? Who can get all the colors right on Santa? Adding fun aspects like these to coloring can help make it exciting again.

Christmas Coloring Pages

These Christmas Coloring pages will help both you and the kids to get into the Christmas Spirit.

Everything from stockings, presents, candy canes and of course Santa Claus. The coloring pages are easy for kids to do, but still allow enough detail to allow their creativity shine through.

Once you find the Christmas coloring page you're looking for:

1) Select Print on your browser for the Christmas page you want for your child. Select the full page option.
2) When you have completed printing the Christmas coloring page you want, close the window.

Also be sure to visit our Christmas crafts, Christmas Recipes, Christmas movies and our Christmas Games pages for more great Christmas fun.

Merry Christmas	Santa and Computer	Christmas Tree	Christmas Presents
Christmas Reindeer	Christmas Tree	Santa Ringing Bell	Christmas List Girl
Christmas List Boy	Santa with Gift	Christmas Stocking	Candy Cane
Christmas Tree	Candy Cane #2	Boy with gift	Christmas Nutcracker
Santa Claus	Santa's Lap	Dancing Santa	Skating Santa
Christmas Cat	Kitten in Stocking	Santa's Helper Cat	Santa Waving
Christmas Reindeer	Christmas Kangaroo	Candy Cane and Bow	Christmas Holly
Christmas Stocking 2	Christmas Wreath	Christmas Ornament	Christmas Presents
Father Christmas	Christmas Holly 2	Christmas Snowman	Wreath and Lamppost
Christmas Candle	Santa Face	Christmas Elf	Gingerbread Man
Christmas Bell	Elf and Plant	Gingerbread Girl	Dad with Gifts
Elf Checking List	Christmas Kids	Santa at North Pole	Christmas Carols
Christmas Girl	Christmas Kids	Christmas Singing	Christmas Tree
Christmas Bear	Christmas Tree	Candy Cane Heart

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