5 Ways Parents Can Introduce Their Kids to Coding

CODING – A GOOD CAREER OPTION?

Coding is fast gaining popularity with more parents wanting their kids to get into it, and why not? It’s a great career filled opportunities and good money. HTML, Java, CSS, etc., sound so complicated and to imagine that young minds that work with seems so absurd, right? But due to help from YouTube, coding camps, websites, it’s quite possible.

When your kid learns to code, he/ she is basically learning how to speak and write in a computer’s language. This language (code) will help them build websites, video games, applications, etc. A little complicated but very interesting.

INTRODUCING YOUR KIDS TO THE WORLD OF CODING

Here are some ways using which you can get your child interested in coding and experience the joy of programming.

  1. Explain Coding as Simply as You Can

Don’t we like to know what any course or business is about before we actually dip our fingers into it? In the same manner, your kids would also want to know about coding. Now, you’ll have to explain the world of coding is really simple terms so that they can get a gist of it. Remember to make it sound as fascinating as you can for the little mind.

You can tell them about how it’s like telling the computer what they’d want it to do, how they’d want it to done. Or something around the lines of them being the boss and their computer being the employee. Just things like this can help in catching their attention.

  1. Purchase Coding Games and Toys for Them

Every kid loves to play games or with toys. Here, half of your battle is already won. The games are designed in such a manner that kids, from just four- years old can understand and play them. There are different games and toys related to coding, for different age groups. Robot Turtles, Dash & Dots, etc. are great examples of such games.

In the world of video games, traditional board games and toys still haven’t lost their appeal, and in our case, are really effective in making a child interested in coding.

  1. Coding Books Should Find its Place on Their Study

There are such amazing books on coding available in the market right now that will leave you amazed! Appropriate for children above the age of seven, these books explain everything code in a very efficient and understandable manner. They contain information, little tests, tricks, etc., which can really help your child understand code better.

“Coding for kids should be introduced as young as possible. Not only does it teach skills that will be immediately relevant in tomorrow’s job market, it helps strengthen skills in a number of corollary areas such as math, reading, spelling, and problem-solving. Later on it will help kids develop skills in geometry, trigonometry, statistics, data analysis, physics, and more.” according to David Dodge, CEO of Codakid

  1. Bring in the Big Guns – Robots

There is a huge chance that the aforementioned steps might backfire. But you don’t need to lose hope. Kids find robots really interesting and often have a lot of questions about this ‘not-breathing-but-realistic’ device.

When your kids start asking about their functioning then you can relate it to code. This will surely make them listen. Best part? There are tiny, cheaper robots available in the market.

  1. Get Them an Inexpensive Computer for Them to Practice On

If your kid shows interest and wants to learn more about coding, then he’ll definitely want to practice it. You don’t need to splurge on a computer, you can opt for the inexpensive variety and install an operating system in it. They can teach themselves programming language on it, by watching videos/following steps on website blogs, etc.

Every parent wants the best for the child and there’s nothing wrong with trying to generate their interest in coding. That being said, if your child doesn’t develop interest then they shouldn’t be forced to do what they don’t want to. But, if they fall in love with it? Mission accomplished.

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.

Win a McDonald’s McGold Card!

For years, rumors of the coveted McGold Card awarding free McDonald’s for life have circulated. They say it’s a symbol of McDonald’s superstar status, and that only the top VIPs can get their hands on one. It’s an untouchable luxury that’s been enshrouded in mystery for decades. Until now.

To celebrate the rollout of Mobile Order and Pay and putting more choice and control in the customers’ hands, McDonald’s is giving mobile customers the chance to win the ultimate in VIP status: the Mobile McGold Card, awarding them free McDonald’s for life.

HOW CUSTOMERS ENTER TO WIN:

Place a mobile order through the McDonald’s App starting today until August 24th! Customers can get one entry per day during that period. No minimum purchase required.

The winner will receive McDonald’s food for Life, equating to up to two meals per week for fifty (50) years, awarded as a $1,000 credit on winner’s McDonald’s App account and $35,400 cash, plus $15,600 to offset taxes on the prize, awarded as a check for $51,000. Winner will also receive a custom gold-plated “McGold Card” phone case.

That’s it! Just order through the app!

So go ahead and download it today on iTunes and Google Play!

WHEN IT IS ALL HAPPENING:

· Sweepstakes begins 8/10
· Sweepstakes runs from 8/10-8/24

The winner will be drawn at random, and notified within two days. See official rules at McDonalds.com/MobileMcGoldCard for more details.

What would you do with free McDonald’s for life? What would you order first? I know I would be ordering a tasty fresh all beef Quarter Pounder!

So how about it? Gonna give it a shot? Grab some lunch today using the mobile app and you’re automatically entered for the McGold Card. I would love it if one of my readers won. So what are you waiting for, order today!!

This post is sponsored by McDonald’s and St. Louis Dad.

Kids and Chaos: Three Ways to Take a Break When Your Day Gets Manic

As parents, our kids are of course the most important people in our lives; we’d do anything for them and their health and happiness truly is our number one priority. However, as anyone with kids will tell you, sometimes they can seriously stress you out. At the end of the day we’re only human, and a day of crying, moaning and bad behaviour is enough to grind anyone down. Sometimes all we need is a short break to clear our head, compose ourselves and get back to it. Here are a few ideas for things you can do get a quick break when your kids are driving you bonkers!

A hot  shower

Baths are great- the hot water eases tense muscles, it reduces blood pressure and it’s a quiet place to think and relax. But as busy parents, we don’t always have time to luxuriate in the bathtub and so it’s all about quick showers instead. While they might not be as relaxing as submerging in water, showers can also reduce stress and so are a good option when you’re feeling a bit irritated and overwhelmed. Once you’re out and feeling fresh, you might well find tackling any issues you come up against is that bit easier.

A cup of tea

There’s nothing quite like a soothing cup of tea when things aren’t going your way. If the kids are scrapping and moaning and are generally getting on your last tether, step outside and give yourself five minutes to enjoy a brew. Whether you take milk and two sugars or prefer green or herbal tea, there’s something relaxing and refreshing about sipping the hot liquid and again you can return to what you were doing with a much clearer head! If you’re flagging and your stress is being added to by tiredness then go with a coffee instead, sometimes we a caffeine boost is what’s needed to get through the tough days!

A game of something fun

Sometimes a fun distraction is what you need, to take your mind off things and lower your stress levels. Whether console games or live casino sites are your thing, taking a break to enjoy a game could be just what the doctor ordered when your day gets chaotic. You might not have time to sit and watch a full movie or even a full tv episode, but you can play a quick game of something you enjoy and it could help to balance your mood again.

Instead of losing your temper or getting into a mood yourself, when things get stressful just give yourself a few minutes. One day your kids will be all grown up, and you’d do anything to hear them fight, moan and cry for your attention again! For now, take a break when you need it and then return to your duties with a smile on your face.

How do you deal with things when your kids are driving you up the wall?!

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.

Back to School with Your Prep Expert

Millions of students are heading back to school over the next few weeks with many of them already thinking about their future and what college to apply to. Wondering if they can get a scholarship or even pass the ACT and/or the SAT with a good enough score to get them in to their school of choice.

Prep Expert can help change your score, and change your life. Studies show that when students prepare for a test or exam they do better, and when they have the proper preparation they do even better. That’s where Prep Expert can help you prepare for that special test.

With a successfully completed deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank, Prep Expert has become the world’s fastest growing test prep provider!

Check out their website PrepExpert.com and just see what they have to offer. Try out the free class and browse all of the other available courses. Their is even a 200-Point Score Improvement Guarantee!

So check it out today! You and/or your students will thank you for it! Providing the perfect tools for their future is exactly what students need to be successful in the future and Prep Expert can fill that need!

I was fortunate enough to be provided a trial for Prep Expert and found the program to be very easy to follow and I feel like after going through some of the prep courses I would be ready to take the ACT once again! The instructors are great and know exactly how to help you succeed. This is their job! So it’s only been 16 years since I last took the ACT, so why not give it a shot again. With Prep Expert’s help I am sure I will do great!

Be sure to check out PrepExpert.com today as well as their awesome episode on Shark Tank!