2 Comments Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter on Her 3rd Birthday

3 years old!

Dear Holly,

Today is your 3rd birthday. I love it that our birthdays are just 4 days apart, because by the time my birthday wears off, yours begins!

I feel that I am definitely getting my money’s worth for having a 3 year-old daughter who loves Frozen and Peppa Pig.

However, I love knowing that you are so excited about something so not-girly as the big black Jeep Wrangler I am finally getting in a couple of weeks.

There’s no way for you to understand how much I love you… or how much I think about how our relationship will be when you get older.

Hopefully, this letter will help. I have always adored you.

I love you,

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Advantages and Disadvantages of Summer Camps 

If you still can not enjoy the holidays or if you want your children to spend part of the summer season in a fun way and even learning, surely you are considering taking your children to one of the summer camps that exist one of them is Summer Camps Ontario.

In that case, you want to continue reading. Yes, because, next, we will let you know the advantages and disadvantages that these proposals bring. Do you dare to discover them? Take note and you can take a firm and successful decision:

The advantages of summer camps

The first thing you should know is that there are many parents that every year when these dates arrive, they do not hesitate to send their children to a summer camp. They do it because they are clear that this is a really beneficial alternative for the little ones. And it is that they take into account advantages associated with that, such as the following:

  • It is a way for minors to have a great time doing a lot of playful activities.
  • In the same way, we must bear in mind that there are themed camps. With this, we mean that there are languages, cooking, dance, sports … Thanks to that, children have the possibility to have fun while learning about something they like.
  • Needless to say, this type of proposal for the summer season is a great alternative when it comes to getting the little ones to improve their social skills. And the fact that being with other children they did not know will lead them to communicate with those and even to forge a friendship.
  • It is also considered to be a great alternative for your children to begin to develop their independence and autonomy.
  • Of course, another advantage of summer camp is that they get them to learn values as important as teamwork, respect, tolerance or freedom. And it is not only there that they are going to carry out endless group activities, but also, they will be with little ones that they did not know and who can come from different places in the world.
  • Self- esteem is, in the same way, something that is improved in this type of summer proposal. Yes, since with the different competitions and workshops that are organized the minor will realize that he can do things that he did not even imagine.
  • Of course, we must not overlook the fact that summer camps are considered a great alternative for children to learn to give value to their family and home. And it is not only that they will miss them but that in those places they will not have the comforts that will be at home nor will they be given all the whims. That, at the same time, is a way for you to discover that you do not have to have everything to be happy and have fun.

The disadvantages of summer camps

If you do not choose well, the child will have problems adapting

In order for you to make the best decision about whether to take your children to a summer camp or not, you need to discover what are the aspects against it, such as the following:

  • If they are sent by imposition or if you choose one that does not interest them at all, you will not be able to enjoy the advantages stated in the previous section.
  • In the case that they have never been separated from the parents for several days, it may cost them to adapt to the camp and they may be very negative. What’s more, for some it can be a really insufferable period.
  • In the same way, we must know that sending children to a summer proposal like this requires an important expense. And is that, depending on which is chosen, you may have to provide a relevant amount.
  • If the adult is not well informed about the type of camp and does not certify that their children will have everything necessary and will have specialized monitors or greater security, you can fall into the error of choosing an absolutely inappropriate. By this, we mean that you select one that does not meet the minimum requirements for minors to have a great time and be cared for correctly by experienced monitors.
Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, funny, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: For Crazy Hair Day, You Chose to Be Green!

8 years, 5 months.

Dear Jack,

This past Tuesday, your class got to celebrate filling the jar with marbles, for good class behavior, by having Crazy Hair Day!

So before we left for school, I took you out to the garage and basically spray paint all your hair.

At first, I only sprayed the top, but you insisted I spray all of your hair, including all the back.

Looking back on these pictures though, I should have used the entire can; as there was still some sandy brown showing through.

Needless to say, you had a really fun day. And I’m fairly confident you’re going to be asking me to have green hair again!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: It’s Fun to Look at the Oriental Trading Company Catalog with Your Brother!

2 years, 11 months.

Dear Holly,

For some reason, we randomly started receiving the Oriental Trading Company catalog every month at our house. I didn’t realize what a treat this would be for you and your brother!

While Mommy and I clean up after dinner, the two of you remain entertained the entire time, as your brother will ask you, “Holly, out of these on this page, which one would you want? You can pick three.”

You always happily go along with the fantasy, as if you truly get to have some of the toys featured in the catalog.

I never knew that magazine could serve as such captivating entertainment!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on funny, Uncategorized

Thinking of Taking Up Tai Chi? Here Are The Top 5 Health Benefits That You Can Get From It

Tai Chi has been around for more than 700 years, and some even believe that they may be as old as 1500 years old. Tai Chi is one of the small branches of a bigger martial art technique called the “Qigong.”

Qigong is a form of martial art practise that focuses primarily on the elements of breathing and energy. According to Chinese scripts, the name Qigong itself means “breath skill.” Since its inception, Tai Chi has been primarily practiced (which continues to date) due to its several health benefits.

Although Tai Chi in its authentic form was first developed as a means of self-defence, its several health benefits became quite significant over time. Today Tai Chi is practiced primarily for its numerous health beneficial aspects, especially in older adults.

Tai Chi is seeing a gradual growth in popularity amongst different people. In fact, a recent study shows that more than 2.5 million people in The United States alone practice Tai Chi. This growth in popularity is primarily contributed to the positive results it continues to generate amongst its active participants.

Here are the 5 proven health benefits of practicing Tai Chi

  • Improves the Mental Health

Due to its meditative and slow movement techniques, Tai Chi has been proven to have an excellent effect in improving mental health as well as any psychological-related health risks. Anxiety and stress-related problems are the main contributors in promoting a serious psychological health risk, and Tai Chi has proved effective.

A study compromising of 50 participants showed Tai Chi practice gave identical results as that of the anxiety/ stress management exercises.

If you’re struggling with your mental health a therapist from “thrivetalk.com” can help.

  • Reduces the risk of falling 

The risk of falling poses the primary threat amongst older adults. A recent study has proven that 1 out of every 4 older adults (above 65 years) is at the risk of falling. This is primarily because of the reduction in mobility and body balance.

One of the core elements of Tai Chi lies in the orderly and slow movement of the body. This improves the balance of the body and ultimately reduces the risk of falling.

  • Improves the quality of sleep

According to the latest report, more than 50 million people in The United States alone suffer from at least one type of sleeping disorder. The number is alarming and, hence, anything that can help in reducing this staggering figure is a welcoming sign.

A study conducted for over 10 weeks showed that practicing Tai Chi twice in a week produced a significant result in improving the sleep quality, and also showed lesser symptoms of anxiety-related problems.

  • Improves the Muscle Strength 

Tai Chi can improve your muscle strength. After all, Tai Chi is a form of martial arts, so if you do not experience any improvement in your muscle strength, well, that would be a disappointment. Although Tai Chi does not involve lifting weights or any heavy objects, its muscular and calm body movements can significantly improve your upper body strength. In addition to just improving your muscles, Tai Chi can enhance your abdomen and lower back muscles as well.

  • Aids in losing weight 

Regular Tai Chi practice are known to have a remarkable impact in assisting weight loss. Although, it may be difficult for most people to accept the fact that Tai Chi does indeed help in burning excess calories (due to the slow body movements). The fact is that Tai Chi helps in reducing weight. It is estimated that an hour of Tai Chi can burn up to 240 calories (depends on your body weight).

A study showed that 45 minutes of Tai Chi five times a week produced significant weight-loss results at the end of 12 weeks.

Practicing Tai Chi on a routine basis can improve overall health (physically and mentally). There are more than enough studies to back its health beneficial aspects. Hence Tai Chi for Health should be encouraged amongst all the age groups.