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One of the top things
to do before your child reaches five is getting them a pet to care
for, according to a new 'top 10'. The list has been compiled by
leading children's savings specialist, The Children's Mutual, and
child development expert, Dr Pat Spungin.
The Children's Mutual
and Dr Spungin have worked together to create a list of stimulating
and fun activities that every parent or carer should try to do before
their child reaches five. The full list from owning a pet for your
child, to placing a bet that they will win Wimbledon, is detailed
below:
1. Get A Pet
Owning a pet is great for a child on many levels - it teaches them
responsibility and as Dr Spungin says: "A pet is a friend to a child
and one which will always understand and love them." Research has
shown that having regular contact with an animal can help a child
to learn teamwork and improve self-esteem. Pets also provide practical
opportunities to develop and extend communication and relationship-building
skills1.
2. Teach Your Baby
To Swim
The earlier you teach your child to swim, the easier they'll find
it. It will also offer peace of mind for you on holiday and is good
exercise for all the family. Dr Spungin says: "Swimming is an activity
you are never too old or too young to do and the whole family can
do it together. Make exercise part of your child's life from the
beginning to help them to be more healthy and active throughout
life." Research also suggests that if a baby is taken swimming before
the age of one, by three most should be able to swim unaided2.
3. Hold A Memory
Forever
Arrange a professional photo shoot to produce some lovely pictures
of your child and give them to your nearest and dearest. They grow
up so quickly and it is well worth creating a permanent memento
to keep on display.
4. Look After All
Your Relationships
Take at least one night off a month from your child and spend time
with your partner, friends or family. Dr Spungin says: "Happy families
mean happy babies - dads can feel 'left out' at this time. It's
important to look after ALL your relationships and to make time
for friends and family beyond your relationship with your child."
5. Start A Children's
Savings Plan
Saving for your child's future has now become a necessary consideration
rather than a nicety. It is predicted that in 18 years time a deposit
on a first home will cost around £24,1003, a wedding will cost around
£21,8004, a first car around £9,3605 and a three year university
course in the region of £44,0556 . By taking out a long-term savings
plan and committing an amount to the plan each month, it can grow
into a sizeable lump sum to help provide your child with a financial
headstart into adulthood.
6. Explore Baby Food
Cookery Couses
Learn to tailor your cooking for your child, be it on specific cookery
courses or through exchanging recipes with friends and family. Dr
Spungin says: "Cooking for your child can help to give them a healthy
start, develop their taste for good food and avoid faddiness later.
When introducing foods, offer variety, eat what the family eats
and avoid mealtime battles."
7. Make A Friend From
Another Country
Help your child to have made a friend from another country by the
time they are five. This could be when you are on holiday, through
friends or nursery. Encourage them to stay in touch. Dr Spungin
says: "The world we live in is a global village. By helping your
child to develop relationships outside the UK, you will encourage
tolerance and open-mindedness - an acceptance of other people and
cultures."
8. 'Manners Maketh
The Man'
Teach your child manners. Dr Spungin says: "You do your child no
favours by letting them think that the world revolves around them.
At school the teacher will expect good manners. Making friends means
showing consideration for others even at this young age and you
will also feel the benefit."
9. Encourage Your
Child's Imagination And Senses
Take them to visit a castle, museum, farm or the seaside. Help to
create real experiences and broaden their mind. It provides a great
opportunity to get out and about and create fond memories.
10. Place A Bet On
Winning Wimbledon
Aim high for your child by placing a bet that they'll win Wimbledon
in 2025 - William Hill will give normal odds of up to 5000-17 -
it's an outside chance but could be one well worth making! Dr Spungin
says: "Why not put a nominal £1 on the fact that your child will
win Wimbledon or on another ambition you have for them? Have high
aspirations for your children and they are more likely to succeed."
David Halliday, The
Children's Mutual Marketing Director, said: "We all know that the
early years of a child's life are hugely important in their development.
By working with Dr Spungin, we have developed these activities as
a top 10 guide for anyone with a child under five years of age.
None of them demand huge amounts of time, however all could have
a positive impact on a child's future - be it through building confidence,
providing financial support or helping them to foster strong relationships."
Dr Pat Spungin is the
founder of www.raisingkids.co.uk the UK's leading website for parents.
She has worked as consultant editor to Understanding Your Family
in the Time-Life MINDPOWER series and has written widely on family
life. Her latest publication is The Parentalk Guide to Brothers
and Sisters. Dr Spungin has lectured in Child Development at Middlesex
University, and is married with three children of her own.
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