Every kid has a story to tell, here’s how to help them

Children have a world of imagination running around in their heads and it frequently gets shown to the world when they are playing for drawing pictures. Parents know that cultivating a good sense of imagination in their children is important, but as they grow older that can be harder to do.

That’s why encouraging your children to write short stories is a great way to keep that fertile imagination ticking over and it can also have a range of other great benefits too, such as building self-esteem, improving their spelling and grammar and encouraging them to express themselves. Boys especially can be something of a closed book so getting them to get their thoughts down on paper is a great way of finding out what’s on their mind without firing a lot of questions at them.

If you’re children are not familiar with short story writing, or are simply a bit unsure about where to start, then you can help out with a few helpful tips.

Structure the story

Remind them that all stories need a beginning, middle and end. It may be a good idea to get them to think about how they want the story to end and work back from there.

Write about what you know

They shouldn’t waste time trying to wrack their brains for some amazing and original idea – we’re not looking for the next JK Rowling here. Get them to think about their own life experiences and things they are familiar with as the basis for their stories.

Let it flow

If they have a good idea, let them get on with it and just let the words flow. They can edit and tidy it up later when they’re finished.

For more great kids and family reading check out the books at www.viewermax.com.

Substitute these worn out parenting phrases for more positive ones

Parenting – it's probably the biggest job you don’t a qualification for and also the one you won’t get much hands-on training for. It’s also the most important job you’ll ever have as it involves not only keeping a child clothed, housed and fed, but also helping them grow into well-adjusted and independent adults.

Yep, it can be tough sometimes and when you are tired and frustrated, it can be easy to resort to abrupt and unhelpful language with your children. That might help get you through a short-term situation, but sometimes the way we communicate with our children can have a lasting impact on them.

We might think that we are exercising some tough love, but often negative and judgemental language can do lasting damage.

For starters, you may want to start replacing some tired out old phrase with these more positive and encouraging alternatives:

‘How are you feeling?’

It may be obvious to you that your child is angry and lashing out, but simply tell them to calm down or chill out doesn’t always get the job done. By asking them how they are feeling, you are encouraging them to identify their feelings and better explain why they are lashing out.

‘I’m here for you if you need help’

Impatience can cause us to simply take over with a short ‘let me do it’ whenever a child is struggling with something. But that is merely short-term solution. Instead, letting them know that you are there to support them will give them greater confidence.

‘Respect yourself and those around you’

A simple ‘be good’ or ‘stop being bold’ doesn’t let a child know how destructive bad behaviour is, it just lets them know you don’t like what they’re doing. By urging them to show respect for themselves, you’re letting them know that how they’re acting is doing them harm.

Find some other great reading for families with the books from www.viewermax.com.

Meal ideas for larger families

Meal planning can be a tricky game all year round and especially for a family that includes picky eaters. However, meal planning doesn’t have to be boring or hard as there are loads of simple and tasty recipes even the fussiest eater will eat.

Fajita night - Mealtimes should be a fun and inclusive experience for all the family, and that’s why fajitas are a great idea. You'll be able to cook and prep all the fajitas and lay everything out on the table - and then everyone can pick what they want in theirs. It’ll save some family members picking things out they don’t like and allow everyone to take control of their dinner - plus they’re extra yummy.

Mac & cheese - If you’re interested in creating a hearty dish for a family with no allergies, Mac & cheese is a classic. It’s one of those easy dishes that don’t involve much work but are really appreciated by kids as it’s more of a ‘treat meal’.

Lasagna and salad - The beauty with lasagna is there are loads of ways you can alter a traditional recipe, from changing out the meat to changing the different cheeses. It’s a layered meal that can be accompanied with loads of sides such as salad and bread. Like fajitas, lay all the sides on the table so everyone is able to pick what they like to eat.

Homemade pizzas - Dinner as a family is always that extra bit of fun when everyone has got involved. Homemade pizzas are a great way to do that as everybody can choose which toppings they’d like and watch as it cooks in the oven.

Discover more recipe inspiration for family dinners over at www.viewermax.com.