Andrea’s Book Club
Children’s Books
At bedtime tonight, I asked my two children what their favorite books are. In seconds, my oldest blurted out her response. She didn’t even need time to think about it. “Tickle Monster” by Josie Bissett got the endorsement of my 6-year-old because in her words, “I love the tickles, and, at the end, you get tickled everywhere.” This favorite book comes with tickle mitts — fuzzy, blue, adult- hand-sized gloves — which transform the reader into a tickle monster. This is a book that is delightful for boys and girls alike. Since it is a rhyming book, it is easy to read and memorize and is conducive to voices that make the story even more enjoyable (if that is possible) to both the reader and the listener. “Tickle Monster” is essentially a friendly alien who comes from Planet Tickle. This relatively quick read (parents across the world lament the publication of “The Day the Crayons Quit” due to its length) begins with instructions from the blue, smiling “monster” with gender-neutral rainbow-striped horns to tickle here and tickle there. As the tickle monster, who is a world traveler, progresses through his narrative, the tickles expand and the fun is uncontainable. I cannot count the nights over the past several years that I have smiled to myself while emptying the dishwasher or loading the laundry at bedtime because I can hear my husband using his “tickle monster” voice to read this book, accompanied by squeals of laughter from the kids. This is a must-get for any parent, godparent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent. I assure you; you will enjoy it as much as the children will.
Hiking has many benefits as a family activity, such as mental health improvement, strengthening your relationships, and experiencing new sights and discoveries together. It’s also great exercise, and you get plenty of quality time, fresh air, and sunshine. Here are three guidelines to help you and your kids have fun on your next hike. ENCOURAGE THEIR CURIOSITY One of the best ways to have your children learn about the world is letting them explore it. Being there for your children and encouraging them to ask questions about flowers, bugs, or animals you see on the trail will help them expand their vocabulary and learn how things work. When they learn they can explore independently and ask about the world around them, they’re gaining the confidence to teach themselves. BRING ALONG SOME TOOLS OF DISCOVERY Getting your children to engage in nature while you’re out hiking can be as simple as bringing a magnifying glass along with you. Let your kids look at leaves, rocks, insects, or anything else you might come across on the trail. You can also bring binoculars to help them look at a bird that might be perched a little too high up. Another option is a bug holder to let your kids catch smaller insects, such as grasshoppers or pill bugs, and give them a close-up look. KEEP SAFETY IN MIND While you’re out on the trail, it’s essential to make sure that both you and your family are safe. Wear breathable, noncotton material and sturdy shoes that don’t expose your toes. It’s important to dress according to the weather. For example, if the day is sunny, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and apply plenty of sunscreen on any exposed skin. Bring your kids’ favorite snacks and water bottles for everyone to stay hydrated. It’s crucial that you also bring a fully stocked first-aid kit in case someone is injured on the hike. Starting with one of your local hiking trails can be a rewarding way to spend the day with your kids. You can watch their excitement as they expand their world with new discoveries. Watch Their World Expand With Every Step HIKING WITH YOUR KIDS
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