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UPDATED: PARKS & pLAYGROUNDS IN kUWAIT

10/25/2016

We have updated our list of Kuwait Moms Guide's favorite parks & playgrounds in Kuwait. There are so many of these hidden gems, perfect for kids to get outdoors and have some fun and explore.

KMG #59 - Sent to Your inbox today

10/11/2016

KMG #59 has been sent to inboxes today.

In this issue find interesting articles, special offers, mom & baby coffee mornings, outdoor parks & playgrounds and lots more.

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30 things you can do that will mean a lot to your kids

10/3/2016

I was inspired by a list of 30 things that mean a lot to kids published in Parents Magazine. So I’ve adapted it to Kuwait and added a few ideas of my own. Hope you like it.

Family photos matter but kids want to be a part of the process. Print photos out, buy an album and let the kids decide the order, the arrangements and what, if any, memorabilia to include.
Include love notes, the occasional treat (no nuts please!) or small surprises in their lunchbox.
Take them for a picnic. Bring a blanket, basket of fruit, snacks and some water/tea and spend an hour or so. Let them choose the spot and lay everything out. Take a few photos then put your mobile away for the rest of the picnic.
Play with them. Don’t just watch them play but actually get on the floor or the table and sit and build a Lego monster alongside them.
Say yes to something they think you will say no to (like having cake for breakfast or sleeping in the living room on the weekend.) Not all the time but once in a while.
Video call their cousins, grandparents and friends.
Create a family motto (Ours is ‘Never give up’) and find ways to use it.
Spend quality Mommy & Me time with each child alone. Go for a walk, go shopping or get a mani/pedi. Children need individual attention and time.
Tell them you are proud of them – not only when they achieve good grades or doing something but just sometimes when you are sitting at breakfast.
Be a good role model and turn off the TV or put down your phone.
Play board & card games with them. Our current favorite is Querkle but Scrabble and Junior Scrabble, Pictionary, Uno, dominoes, chess and monopoly are all favorites. Let them keep score. (It’s good math practice and also helps them feel grown up and responsible.)
Let them stomp through rain / mud puddles. Since it doesn’t rain much in Kuwait, this is not often an option but I know my kids walk through every single puddle of water they can find. I just let them do it and have stopped worrying about them ‘ruining their shoes’. Let them run through the sprinklers in the park.
Children need pets. Pets help teach them responsibility and empathy. If you can get a dog or cat great but if not, a hamster, gerbil, turtle, fish etc.
Give your toddler a chance to fight his own battles in the sandbox or on the playground before you intervene.
Hold off with the barrage of how-was-your-day questions if your child comes home from school grumpy and tired.
Cultivate your own rituals and traditions: We have falafel, mushakil and hummus most Friday mornings, spend Friday nights watching movies and eating popcorn. During the cooler months, we spend weekend mornings at the park. Each child gets a ‘Yes’ Day at least once a year.
Always tuck your kids into bed and kiss them goodnight.
Ask your kid to teach you how to do something for a change. And once you get the hang of it, be sure to tell him what a good teacher she/he is.
Let your child dress up in dad’s old t-shirts or mom’s out of date dresses. Give them plenty of time to play.
Let your child overhear you saying something wonderful about him/her.
Let them stay up all night on New Year’s Eve – even if they aren't old enough.
Go for a walk at night and look at the night sky.
Don't be in a hurry to tell your kid to let it go. He needs to vent too.
Have snuggle time. I try to always fit in at least one snuggle time per day.
Read together. Let them choose the stories and take turns reading a page at a time.
Tell them stories about when you were a child. What was your favorite clothes to wear or your best friend’s first name. Tell them about your first day at school or the first time you won a competition.
Remember their friends names and ask them about them.
When they are old enough, teach them how to drive.
Do something that surprises them. Don’t just buy them a toy but make them something they would like with your own hands. They will appreciate it more.
Hug them and tell them you love them every day.

(Thanks to Lana for sharing the original article).

UPDATED: PARKS & pLAYGROUNDS IN kUWAIT

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30 things you can do that will mean a lot to your kids

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