As we all know, board games are a little old fashioned but they have continued to be commonly played and enjoyed by a majority of people. Board games can be played by adults as well as children and for this reason, parents need to be aware of the most suitable board games that their children can play. When choosing a board game for children, you must consider those that teach children skills that are good for life. It is also true that board games for kids are inexpensive and a good way for the whole family to spend time together. It is also a good idea to have children change from playing with electronics to playing board games. This is more so for the board games that stimulate the brain and make the children more skilled in the many spheres of life.

In this article, we shall examine some 10 board games that teach skills to children. Here are some of these games that parents may consider for their kids:

1.    Scrabble

This is a classic board game that children will enjoy playing at any time of the day. This game can be played with adults as well. Scrabble is a good board game that will teach kids spelling skills and therefore sharpen their language skills. Always keep a dictionary close as you play this game.

2.    Bears in Pairs

This is a good board game for younger children in preschool and toddlers. This game has no reading involved and can be played in 3 difficulty levels. This is a 3-dimensional game in design and is played when the child can find 3 matching pairs of bears that hide behind the door of the little house. This can be a great board game for two players.

3.    Clue

This is a board game that is good to keep children in suspense as they work out who did the murder. This can be said to be a mystery game that can keep the kids engaged.

4.    Chess

This is for sure a difficult game for kids and adults alike. However, this is a good game that young kids can start early enough to help them stretch their brain muscles as well as concentration as they play the game. Here, they will learn strategy and patience as they play chess.

5.    Monopoly

This is a real estate board game that can teach many skills to children who play it. With this game, your children can play Monopoly depending on their age. There are speed cards, junior editions, and expansion packs. With this board game, children will learn skills such as saving, selling, and buying, among other money skills.

6.    Chutes and Ladders

This is another classic game that has many good reviews and can be good for your kids. Many parents will be interested to play this game with their kids as it is good at teaching kids counting skills. It also teaches good morals to kids because for one to advance in the game, they must have done good deeds.

7.    Game of Life

This is a good option for kids who love to play longer board games. It has a fun spinner and the players choose the adventures that their characters go on. Here, they can choose real-life adventure choices such as careers, family size, vacations, and so on. This game of life has no dull moments and teaches the kids real-life experience.

8.    Hoot Owl Hoot

This is a game that focuses on the collaboration of players, rather than competition. Teamwork is emphasized here and this is a good board game for children from the age of 4. The kids will work as a team and try to beat the rising sun. when the owls are all pushed back to their nests, everybody wins! This game teaches the skills of collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving.

9.    Pandemic

This game is mainly geared towards older children 8 years and above. It is a cooperative game where the children have to work as a team and win as a team. If they lose, they will do so as a team. Players race against the clock to save mankind when they wipe out 4 diseases before these wipes out mankind. This game teaches children the skills of teamwork and cooperation as a means to success.

10.  Operation

For this board game, a child will need to have fine motor skills, eye and hand coordination are a must for them to succeed in the operation room. It is a game where one has to work hard to operate without the buzzer setting off. Operation is a good board game that kids can play for many hours on end.

You must have shopped for precious jewelries several times in the past. However, have you ever visited the workshop of these jewelry stores? If you have, then you must have noticed their workmen using a special type of machine, which is known as a rock tumbler. These machines are used to polish and smoothen rocks of various shapes and sizes. It will not be wrong to say that rock tumblers are popular amongst jewelers, craftsmen, and lapidary hobbyists. They use the machine for producing various types of tumbled stones. You will also find people who are interested in the hidden beauty of rocks and mineral using rock tumblers.

Purchasing a Rock Tumbler

Most of you may be interested in buying a rock tumbler to use at home for your own business. There are also kids who like to play with such machines with their friends. When it comes to buying a rock tumbler, you basically have two options. You may either go for the standard educational toy model that available on various online stores and several toy stores or you may opt for a professional model.

Standard Model

It is important for you to understand that most of the toy stores carry out various tasks on the same rock tumbler model. This is basically a rotating tumbler that comes with grit, some jewelry findings, and rocks. Using this model can be fun and these also tend to last for a long time if you can take good care of the machine. However, do remember that the size of the rock that you choose is entirely limited by the small rotor power. It is also tough to get proper replacement parts if any of the rock tumbler goes bad.

Rotating Tumblers

If you ever visit a toy store, you will be able to find a specific type of rotating tumbler. In such machines, the rocks fall over and over again, and, in the process, it also polishes the rocks just like the ocean has been doing for the past millions of years. When you decide to buy a rock tumbler, better choose a manufacturer of the machine that has been in the business for a long time and has an established record of service and quality. This will help you during the times when you might require replacement parts for the machine. If the company itself goes out of business, you will fail to get the proper replacement parts for their products.

Vibrational Tumblers

Agitating or vibrational tumblers do not tumble the rocks in reality. In fact, these machines either spin around the vertical axis or uses ultrasound. Although these rock tumblers do come with a heavy price tag, these do have certain features that makes it worth the cost. These type of rock tumblers can polish rocks faster and also retain the essential shape of the rocks as opposed to other machines that produce rounded rocks. Vibrational tumblers are also comparatively quieter than other types of similar machines.

Size Matters in Reality

When it comes to shopping for a rock tumbler, the price and the size of the machine matters a lot. Thus, the best option for you is to balance your needs with your budget. It is important for you to understand that tumblers are sized as per the maximum weight of the load that these machines can bear. There are several causes for belt breakage and the rotor to fail. One of the most common causes is over-loading or improper loading of the barrel. It is important for you to remember that small barrels small sized rocks. However, the bigger barrels can easily hold both small and big sized rocks. Those rock tumblers that come with double barrels can be used to polish a large amount of rocks. It can also be used to ensure that the rocks get a good polish.

Useful Preparation Tips

It is true that choosing a suitable rock tumbler may not be as simple as you may think it to be. Once you have successfully cleared this step, the next step involves you to remember how long it actually takes to tumble for your machine. It is normally around a month for a rotating tumbler and a week or two for the agitating or vibrating types. In order to prevent leaks, you need to use Vaseline to seal the barrel. You should also buy some extra grip for future use. At times, you may find the noise too irritating for you. You may get a cooler or any other sound insulator to lower the noise.

Kids grow better when they participate in outdoor activities. These outdoor activities help them to complement the nourishment they get from foods – they accelerate digestion in kids. One of the best outdoor games tools you can offer your kids is either the dirt bikes or four-wheelers, but the problem is determining which one is the best value for growth in all areas for your kids.

To determine this, all you have to do is to evaluate its features, advantages and disadvantages, limits, and some other requirements. You can then arrange these factors on a preference list – according to the most relevant factor for your kids’ growth, and then narrow it down to what is needed for your kids. That is the best procedure to follow to guarantee your kid’s all-round growth.

So, today, I’m going to show you the differences between four-wheelers and a mini dirt bike for kids. Check them out below.

What Is A Four-Wheeler

A four-wheeler, also known as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), usually possesses four wheels that can cruise almost all types of terrain because its tires are terrain-friendly with the majority of terrain types. This is why they are also known as ATVs. It is equipped with a two-hand grip wheel steering for navigating the ATV, four rugged wheels, and is easy to drive.

This four-wheeler is built for outdoor activities for kids but can be used in various other conditions too. There are various brands you can choose from should you decide to buy one for your kid, but buying because of brand names should not be a factor in choosing the right ATV for your kid. You should check out its features, its type, and other innovations embedded in the ATV.

Types Of Four-Wheelers

There are various types of ATVs, and they include sport ATVs, utility ATVs, side-by-side ATVs, and many more. However, what differentiates these types are the steering control configurations, the type of wheels, speed limit, among many other factors, but what matters most is the size, which ranges from 50cc to 110cc.

There are even some that are larger, but you need to note that the bigger it is, the costlier it will be, and before you buy an ATV for your kid, you need to put into consideration the following factors; the weight of the baby, his weight and height, his balance ability and grip control.

Safety Measures For Four-Wheelers

Kids are allowed in all countries to ride an ATV, even without owning a driving license or going through any legal procedures, unlike an adult. An adult needs to go through rigorous processes to get a driving license and also abide by the rules that govern driving. Nonetheless, there are still some rules and safety measures you need to put in place to avoid accidents and other possible risks associated with recreational activities. So, make sure you observe those rules when it is ripe for your kid to ride an ATV.

The first rule here is that they do not allow kids below the age of six to ride an ATV. This is because generally, ATVs aren’t safe to ride for kids; it requires fast thinking and decision making, very good control of the ATV, and balance. Although some are specifically built for kids, considering some factors like the age, height, and driving capabilities of the kid before it is declared safe for kids.

Secondly, your kids must always put on his/her safety wears like the helmet, full sleeve shirts and pants, sports shoes, and eye shield. Always monitor your kid adequately when he/she rides, and train your kids on decision making and other driving tactics like when to speed and when to slow down a bit. Furthermore, avoid driving through narrow roads or in a dark place to avoid accidents.

What Is A Dirt Bike?

Dirt bikes are also known as off-road motorbikes and are motorized vehicles designed for recreational purposes. What differentiates dirt bikes from ATVs is that they are equipped with different wheels and suspension, making it most suitable for off-road or rough surfaces driving. They are also made by different brands, but that is not the main factor to consider before buying one for your kid.

Types Of Dirt Bikes

Dirt bikes can only be categorized based on the size of the bike, load capacity, speed limits, among other factors. But dirt bikes for kids usually range between 50cc and 250cc.

Safety Measures For Dirt Bikes

The first thing to do to help your kids is to train them on how to always drive safely, give them some rules of their safety on dirt bikes, and make them observe them.

Another important rule to observe by your kids is that the younger ones, below the age of three, should not be allowed to ride a dirt bike, although lots of them are always eager to ride at a very young age, make them wait till they are three years of age before getting them one.

Also, do not forget to wear their safety wears for them –safety gloves, helmets, eye protection, and so on. Their outfits should never be too loose or too tight, avoid driving in the dark, and always choose a safe path for them to ride.

Choosing between any of these vehicles might be tasking for you, thus making it difficult for you to buy the most suitable one for your kid. But above, we have made some comparisons, so it will be easy for you to narrow your preferences down a little bit.

Conclusion

Most parents believe that ATVs are better and safer than dirt bikes, but that’s a misconception because ATVs occupy more space than dirt bikes, making it necessary to always monitor your kids whenever they are riding an ATV.

More so, a dirt bike doesn’t need much training before your kid can ride, just make sure your kid is old enough to ride a dirt bike before getting one for him/her. At this point, we wish your kids safe rides!

Kinderfarms, maker of Kinderlyte®, the first natural and effective, doctor-formulated oral electrolyte solution (OES) for children, has expanded its product offering with the launch of Kinderlyte Advanced.

Designed for people of all ages, liquid and convenient powder formulations are now available online and at retailers across the country. I like that this is for both children and adults and comes in a variety of flavors! So, if you have a child who does not like orange flavor or berry, there are other choices!

Kinderlyte Advanced Electrolyte Powder achieves World Health Organization (WHO) standards for hydration and provides four-to-five times more electrolytes and 80 percent less sugar than sports drinks. Easy for on-the-go hydration, it is sold in packs of six .5 ounce sticks and comes in two flavors: Wild Berry and Lemon Lime. Suggested retail price is $12.99.

Kinderlyte Advanced’s liquid formulation is made with the same electrolyte absorption technology as the natural electrolyte powder and is sold in a one-liter BPA-free resealable bottle. It comes in three flavors: Wild Berry, Raspberry Lemonade and Coconut Lime. Suggested retail price is $7.99.

How is Kinderlyte Advanced different?

●      Delivers the same rapid hydration as conventional OES brands that are used in hospitals, without unnecessary artificial ingredients

●      Has four-to-five times more electrolytes and 75-80 percent less sugar than sports drinks

●      Uses PreMax™ prebiotics to support digestion

●      Instant Absorption Technology™ (IAT™) uses the perfect ratio of Non-GMO Project Verified dextrose (from vegetables) to electrolyte sodium, offering faster transport of electrolytes and nutrients to the bloodstream  

●      Lightweight .5-ounce packets are easily mixed with water for rapid hydration on the go

For store locations, click here. 

About Kinderfarms:

Dedicated to making better health & wellness options accessible to every family, Kinderfarms is committed to providing values-driven alternatives to outdated health and wellness products. Kinderfarms first line, Kinderlyte, is doctor-formulated to provide safe, natural and effective oral electrolyte solutions (OES) for families, and it includes a variety of uses from illness to sports, or even a late night out. Delicious and worry free, Kinderlyte products are made without artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Kinderlyte never contains artificial ingredients like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, Yellow #6, Blue #1 or Red #40 and is Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan and naturally gluten-free. Kinderfarms donates one percent of sales to life-saving water relief efforts through “1% For The Planet.” www.kinderlyte.com, and @kinderlyte on Instagram and Facebook; @kinderfarms on Linkedin

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Looking for graduation gifts or summer birthday gifts? I think you will find some great gifts from Pura Vida.

Pura Vida’s recently-launched Engravable Collection ($20-30) provides a sweet reminder of your grad’s high school or college days! The collection includes a variety of customizable metal options (rose gold and silver) as well as four different fonts (including Greek letters) and various playful characters such as a pineapple, tree, heart, and waves. 

Pura Vida offers a variety of other grad-friendly options as well, including a jewelry subscription box and a number of charity bracelets (with proceeds from each sale supporting various causes) and more. 

I just love the bracelet set I received and wear them to work every week. I plan to purchase another set soon to give as a birthday gift to a BFF!

About Pura Vida Bracelets:

Pura Vida is a La Jolla, California-based company that sources ethically-produced handcrafted bracelets and accessories from artisans worldwide. Created by friends and co-founders Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman, the idea for Pura Vida Bracelets was sparked during a surfing trip to Costa Rica in 2010. While on the search for their next wave, Griffin and Paul had a chance encounter with two bracelet artisans named Jorge and Joaquin and quickly became enamored with their simple, bright and colorful creations. They also developed a profound respect for Jorge and Joaquin’s embrace of the  “pura vida” lifestyle — the Costa Rican philosophy meaning “pure life” that encourages the appreciation of simple treasures — despite living in a state of poverty. In an effort to support their new friends, the duo returned home to San Diego with 400 bracelets in tow and decided to sell them at a local boutique. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and they depleted their stock within a few short days. Through this small victory, Griffin and Paul saw boundless potential and asked Jorge and Joaquin to partner with them to help spread the “pura vida” spirit with others. 

Ten years later, the brand has grown exponentially. Pura Vida now supports a family of over 800 artisans in Costa Rica, El Salvador, India, and beyond. Giving back has also remained a priority for the Pura Vida team. To date, they’ve partnered with over 185 charities to donate over $2.4M to various environmental, health, and humanitarian causes. Pura Vida also became a key player in 2019’s viral VSCO girl moment and has accumulated a cult-following of 1.9 million on Instagram and on Facebook as well as claiming the title of #1 Most Engaged Brand in the jewelry category, thanks to Griffin’s social media prowess. In part due to the business’ social savvy, Pura Vida sold a 75% majority stake to Vera Bradley for $130M in June of 2019. 

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. Bottom photo credit: Pura Vida.

Are you still searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift?
GourmetGiftBaskets.com has you covered! They have created a whole new batch of delectable Dad’s Day Gifts. I really suggest the Father’s Day Soda & Candy Game Crate, $89.99! The Father’s Day Soda & Candy Game Crate is a checkers gameboard that doubles as the lid on this wood box crate. A Dad-pleaser and a crowd-pleaser, it’s filled with a selection of soda and movie theater-sized boxed candy, crackers, cheese, and summer sausage. The perfect addition to any man cave, Dad will enjoy hours of fun with friends and family with this thoughtful gift. I love the variety of sodas and food goodies in this gift box! Dad is sure to find something he loves! If you’re lucky…he may even share! I also think it is very clever that the gift includes checkers and that the lid is a checkers board. Very cool!

Here are a couple other suggestions from the same company:

Fresh Bagel Delivery, $49.99 — For the Dad who considers a bagel and cream cheese one of the great delights of life, this is the gift for him. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. (SKU 5020) 

 Dad’s Survival Kit, $29.99: Give Dad all of his favorites, and everything he needs and wants this Father’s Day with Dad’s Survival Kit. This unique gift comes complete with eight cookies in four different flavors and two classic whoopie pies for his tasting pleasure! (SKU 4668)

Sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it? You will find great gift ideas for any Dad on your list!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday featured post. Images: SoCal City Kids.

It’s Spring! I know it is a different world today than it was last Spring so many of these ideas are products that can be used at home.

Do your children like to make Slime? If so, this will be a hit! Demeter Fragrance, a leader in producing fragrances guaranteed to make you smile, is excited to announce the launch of SlimeScent! Now, kids of all ages can stretch and mold their favorite slime enhanced with the popular smells of Jasmine, Lychee, Dark Chocolate, Pixie Dust, Kitten Fur, Vanilla Cake Batter, Asian Pear, Dragon Fruit, Monk Fruit, Butterscotch, Lavender and Sunshine! With SlimeScent, your slime can be as unique as you are. Each SlimeScent portion is ready to use, right from the bottle. By combining different SlimeScent, slimers can now create their own Signature SlimeScent, taking slime to a whole new, fun level! Now, how cool is that?! I think kids will find it pretty cool! Find them here.

Traditional Face painting can be messy and requires artistic skills, but not with Face Paintoos. Easy to apply and easy to clean, Face Paintoos will give your kids professional face paint in minutes, helping them to spend hours dressing up in costumes and role-playing. Who said you could only wear costumes on Halloween?  Dress up and transform into fun animals with Face Paintoos to create all kinds of stories with your kids. I love how easy this is to use and so much fun! The Face Paintoos Wild Pack can be found on Amazon.com.

Start an enchanted science project with your kid and take them step-by-step on how to plant a magical garden for fairies. My Fairy Garden Nature Cottage is a flowerpot that comes with everything you need to create a new fairy world; watering can, gardening tools, soil, seeds, and a cottage to house fairy Isla and her friends. This is just adorable! Perfect for children 4 and up. My Fairy Garden Nature Cottage can be found at Walmart.

Fuzzikins are adorable and are fun to color! They are easy to change too! If you simply want to design them differently, all you have to do is rinse them in warm water, let them dry and then simp;y re-color! They also can be found on Amazon.com.

Do you want to see your child’s inner artist come out? This is also something fun for them to do during this pandemic. This next item is a great way to have your child get creative!

Diamond painting is the new creative hobby that’s taking the arts and crafts world by storm.

Diamond Art Kits are the perfect gift for the crafty kids in your life. As they place the diamonds one-by-one, the hours fly by as they channel their creativity into a stunning finished masterpiece. This one is also fun for adults! Find out more here.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above items. Images were also provided. I highly recommend all items listed in the post.