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5 Tips for Helping Your Child Spring Clean and Organize

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With your child excitedly anticipating summer being right around the corner, spring is the perfect time to teach your child new habits. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be all about getting the house in order in preparation for summer. It can also be a time to help your child understand the importance of cleaning and organizing. Here are some ways we recommend helping your child tidy up this spring: 

Avoid Cleaning as Punishment

If you use cleaning as a punishment, your child will see cleaning as a punishment. This negative association can lead your child to putting off cleaning chores or avoiding them altogether. Talk to your child about why cleaning is important for everyone in your home and why it’s better if everyone contributes. Help your child see cleaning in a positive light so they’ll feel good about doing it. 

Make Cleaning the Obvious Choice

Explain the benefits of cleaning to your child, and don’t be afraid to talk about the icky stuff like germs and mold. Teach them about how cleaning tasks pile up when they’re not done. If they understand that cleaning is easier the more often it’s done, they’ll be more motivated to do it whenever it’s their turn. Depending on your child’s level of stubbornness, they may need to learn this lesson the hard way. 

Encourage Future Thinking

Children often don’t think in terms of consequences or next steps on their own. However, cleaning and organizing become much easier when you think about what you’ll have to deal with in the future. If touting the immediate benefits doesn’t appeal to your child, encourage them to think about the consequences of their actions, both positive and negative. For example, if they organize their school supplies now, they’ll be able to find them later and finish their homework more quickly. 

Break Tasks into Chunks

Adults may find it easier to find a day to power through all the tasks they need to complete, but that’s not the case for children. Children need frequent breaks to be able to focus on the task at hand. Whatever your child needs to accomplish, whether it’s chores, homework or preparing for an event, help them break the tasks into manageable chunks. Cleaning the floor is one chore that can easily be broken up. Start with sweeping, then take a break before moving on to mopping. You’ll be amazed by what your child can accomplish when they’re focused.  

Use Lists and Calendars

There’s nothing quite like being able to mark a task off as complete. Writing lists and creating calendars may feel like extra work, but this activity can help your child feel ownership of their to-do lists. If your child is artistically inclined, allow them to design their calendar or to-do lists. If not, there’s always fun stationery you can print out or find at a store. Either way, using lists and calendars (especially if stickers are involved) will make daily tasks a little more fun. 

At our Orlando private school, we encourage students to stay organized at school and at home. Located in the Diocese of Orlando, St. Charles Borromeo is more than just a place to learn; it’s a diverse community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

7 Spring Break Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

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The school year is flying by, and spring break will be upon us in no time! In Central Florida, we are blessed to have many places to visit that are drivable, one-day trips that won’t cost a fortune, and things to do for great family fun. Florida is a shining example of God’s never-ending awe and presence in our lives. Our state has countless natural resources for us to enjoy and is also home to terrific museums and historical sites. These spring break ideas are sure to make everyone in your family smile.

State Parks and Beaches

Our local nature options span from Wekiwa State Park and the Ocala National Forest, which are Orlando neighbors, to the Lighthouse at Ponce Inlet and the beaches at Daytona, New Smyrna, and Cocoa. For fresh water enjoyment, there’s DeLeon Springs, Blue Springs, and Silver Springs. There are many other state parks and beaches to enjoy on a tank of gas, and all are sure to bring a day packed with family fun!

Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa

A quick trip down I4 brings you to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa. Your family can enjoy all MOSI has to offer, from interactive exhibits and a Sky Trail ropes course to the planetarium. They have special events scheduled for spring break, and reservations can be made for camps and special events. This museum is sure to inspire your future scientist. 

St. Augustine Forts and Historic Downtown

About a 2-hour drive from Orlando, St. Augustine is recognized as the oldest continuously occupied settlement in America. Castillo de San Marco is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Fort Matanzas is also located in St. Augustine and open to visitors. Visit downtown’s historic district, ride the trolley or explore the pirate museum. There’s a lot to see, and do in St. Augustine and you might consider making it an overnight destination mini-cation.

Orlando Science Center

We often forget to visit the places closest to home. The Orlando Science Center offers multiple floors of tremendous fun for all ages. Visitors can explore special interactive exhibits and enjoy animals native to the Sunshine State. You can take a moment between exhibits to watch visually inspiring educational films in the Dr. Phillips Cinedome with a 180-degree screen or the Digital Adventure Theater featuring 4K films and a stage. They also offer special events for people of all ages, as well as private experiences that can be reserved online. 

Brevard Zoo

Just 1 ½ hours southeast of Orlando, the Brevard Zoo has undergone recent upgrades and is home to over 900 animals from around the world. Enjoy kayaking, aerial adventures at TreeTop Trek zip line, and animal feedings throughout your visit. Take this opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts of Brevard Zoo and places like it around the world. This small zoo is conveniently located near the beaches of Brevard County, making it perfect for a stop on a day or overnight trip. 

Fort Christmas 

This Orange County Park includes a replica of a fort built in 1837 during the Second Seminole Indian War; a traditional Florida “Cracker” house and eight pioneer homes; a schoolhouse and lunchroom; a sugar cane mill and other historical farming equipment. Admission is free, making this a great destination for an educational and fun day out. 

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Located in Sanford, the Central Florida Zoo delivers fun, fresh air and a chance to get up close to many of the native species that inhabit Central Florida. Zip-lining adds an extra dimension of excitement, and there’s always a special event or something new happening. The botanical gardens offer a chance to stop and smell the flowers, enjoying the plant life that’s native to Florida while watching the pollinators fly by.

Many cities in Central Florida offer free or low-cost spring break camps and activities for children of all ages, and we encourage you to explore those options this spring. Our Orlando private school located in the Diocese of Orlando, is more than just a place to learn; it’s a diverse community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Teaching Your Child How To Serve Others Biblically

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It’s important to teach children how to serve others so they can follow the example that Jesus set for us in the Bible. Learning how to serve people while young creates a foundation for serving selflessly throughout life. As parents, the best way to teach your child to serve is to lead by example. Learn ways to teach your child how to serve others biblically.

Blessing Bags

Creating blessing bags will require some time and dedication. Gather essential personal items like toothpaste, soap, and socks. With your child, place these items into a reusable or Ziploc bag, and ask your child to write a prayer or word of encouragement to place in each bag. You can drop these bags off at a local shelter. This activity will open your child’s eyes to the blessings they are given every day. It can also teach children about constantly looking for opportunities to serve others.. 

Thank You Cards and Letters 

Creating thank you cards for the people who influence your child’s life is a great way to serve. Have your child pick some members of their community who help them or serve them, then ask your child to write a thank you card for those people. Jesus washed the feet of His followers. By setting this example, He showed us how to serve out of a heart of compassion and love. You can also write letters to those in the military or to those in the hospital. Jesus says that we must comfort those that go through trials, and writing letters is a real-world application of that. 

Picking up Litter 

Doing this activity with your kids teaches them to respect the earth and their surroundings. Start by finding an area that needs some attention, like a park or a beach. Then, with your child, gather plastic bags and gloves so that you can be safe while collecting litter. Along with helping keep the environment clean, it reminds your child that we’re here to be good stewards of God’s creation.

Food or Clothing Drive

Starting a food drive with your child can teach them to serve those who are less fortunate. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” This is a lesson to teach our children in order for them to grow in their faith and be stewards of what God has given them. Donating their clothes is an application of how Jesus calls us to live in the Bible. Since we have and don’t need, we are able to give. This is the blessing of abundance that we can teach our children.

Serving others is a fundamental part of being a follower of Christ. That’s why our Orlando Catholic school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando encourages children to serve others just as they are taught to in the Bible. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Benefits of Community Involvement for Children

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Community involvement benefits people of all ages. Getting involved at a young age can help children in ways that last a lifetime. At Orlando Catholic schools, community is part of the curriculum. Students participate in service-based activities with their classes and at after-school clubs. This not only helps those in need; it also helps the students themselves. Here are a few of the many benefits of community involvement for children:

Being Part of Something

Children who join a community become part of something larger than themselves. This sense of belonging empowers them to use their gifts and talents for good. The more children feel like they’re contributing in a group, the harder they’ll work to further the cause. In many cases, discovering your own power happens when you help others find theirs. Helping the community is always a team effort, which offers another important benefit: the ability to build relationships. 

Building Connections 

Your child benefits from making friends they don’t see every day in the classroom. By meeting people of all ages through all walks of life, children can broaden their horizons. Building socialization skills early in life will benefit them in the future when they join the workforce. The benefits of building these skills don’t just happen later in life; they start at the very first community event.

Achieving More

When students feel important, it shows. Joining student organizations and participating in community service projects can give meaning to children’s lives. Being part of a community gives them confidence that helps them thrive. It also lets them know that if they’re ever struggling, in school or otherwise, there’s someone they can talk to. The more people your child has to lean on, the less likely they are to fall behind. Meeting people from all walks of life, especially when doing community service, can also make children more aware of issues that impact communities. 

Awareness of Issues

Community service has a clear connection to learning about the issues those less fortunate face. Often, a project will focus on a specific problem and how volunteers can get together to fix it, at least at a local level. However, joining any community can help children become more aware. Community involvement can teach children about other ways of living and the challenges others have. 

Community involvement helps children in many ways. That’s why our Orlando Catholic school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando encourages children to help their communities thrive. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

5 Reasons for Students to Participate in Extracurricular Activities

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St. Charles Borromeo students tug of war

The best learning happens when children enjoy going to school. While classes can be fun, they are often stressful. Extracurricular activities can help alleviate stress while giving children something to look forward to after class. The best part about these activities is that almost any child can find one that aligns with their interests. Schools have academic clubs, music and art groups, special interest organizations, and, of course, athletic programs. Here are some of the ways these activities help students thrive.

Better Academic Performance

Students who participate in extracurricular activities see school as more than just a place to study. This creates a positive perspective, which leads to more motivation to do well in classes. Participating in extracurricular activities can increase brain function. Children who need to learn songs, routines, lines or sports moves learn how to focus, which in turn helps them achieve academic success. Sports and performing arts can also teach students about endurance and reacting quickly in tough situations. When it comes time to take the big test, these students have the upper hand.

ballet

Broadened Horizons

Students from all grades, learning levels and walks of life can join and thrive in student organizations. Children who participate in these activities have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives. They can also learn more about their own interests and discover adjacent interests that their new friends have. By going to after school activities full of students with shared interests, children have more opportunities to meet and interact with diverse groups of people.

Sense of Belonging

Feeling like you’re the only one who likes something can feel isolating. Finding and joining a school club can give children a sense of belonging. In at least one way, children have a shared purpose with others in the group. On sports teams, every student plays a specific role. Children learn about all the different roles and how they work together, as well as how their role impacts the team as a whole. Children who feel they belong to a community often have a better sense of identity and better mental health than those who feel isolated.

leadership

Leadership Skills

All extracurricular activities have a leadership structure, whether it’s a special interest group or a team. Students in these groups learn about how leadership roles work and can become leaders within the groups. This may also involve learning a little bit about politics if it’s a popular club that runs elections. Other skills children can learn by participating in extracurricular activities include teamwork, goal setting, problem solving, time management, and public speaking. 

Career Prospects

Your child may not be building a resume or college application yet, but when they do, they’ll be better prepared if they have leadership skills and experience. As students advance in school, they’ll be inclined to continue being involved in extracurricular activities. This looks great on college applications, especially if they showed leadership within the group. If they’re involved in student organizations at a college level, that will be a great boost when they start their careers. 

Children who participate in extracurricular activities have plenty of opportunities to get ahead in life. Our Orlando private school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando is more than a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Teaching Your Child Leadership Skills

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child in suit

Every child has the potential to be a leader, but not all are born with natural leadership skills. The good news is that many important aspects of leadership can be taught. As a parent, you’re in a unique position to foster your child’s abilities and help them become the best version of themselves. Here are some of the most important qualities of a good leader and how you can help your child nurture them. 

Patience and Forgiveness

To succeed in life, your child needs to learn to be patient with others. When your kid gets upset at needing to wait on someone or for something, talk about how being patient ultimately helps everyone. Explain to your child that most people who cause harm don’t do so with intent and that all people make mistakes. This will also help your child become more patient with themselves. 

Confidence

Leaders need to be decisive and confident. Even if they’re not always sure about the decision they made, they need to be able to explain why they made that decision. Allow your child to make their own choices, starting small and expanding the scope over time. Let them speak directly to wait staff and cashiers, rather than speaking or ordering for them. This will help boost their confidence over time and help them become independent.

girl playing piano

Creativity

Being a leader involves creative thinking and strategy. Encourage your child in any creative pursuit, whether it’s music, art, writing or a unique method of problem solving. Display art around the house, and play music in the car. Talk to your child about how their favorite movies and video games come to life. 

Negotiation Skills

Your child will get far in life if they learn how to negotiate early on. You can help teach them this important skill. When they request something you’re unsure about, rather than saying “no,” make them an offer so they can make a counter offer. See if you can provide multiple options for them to choose from that will help them accomplish their goal. Children often need to ask for permission, and giving them the option to negotiate will be great practice and make them feel more empowered to act independently.

kids playing soccer

Team Player Mentality

To lead others, your child will need experience being around others in different environments. Find out what they’re interested in, and encourage them to explore group activities that allow them to meet like minded people. If they’re into the outdoors, they may thrive in a Scouting organization. Artistic children may enjoy art clubs, school bands or drama troupes. Team sports are a great option for athletic children because everyone has an important role to play. While leaders need to be independent, they also need to know how to work with others.

The teachers at our Orlando private school know that children are the future and that many of our students are destined to become great leaders. Located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, our school is more than a place to learn; it’s a community. The staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Helping Your Child Stay Safe Online

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child online Orlando Catholic School

The internet can be a great resource for developing minds. Children can form connections and find a wealth of information online. However, there is a dark side to having an infinite amount of information and access to others. With the internet being more a part of our lives than ever before, it’s vital to ensure your child’s online safety. Here are our tips for helping your child stay safe online:

Talk About Internet Safety

The first step in keeping your child safe is talking to him about safety. When your child first accesses the internet, start talking about what he’s reading, watching and doing online. Listen to your child’s thoughts on what he wants to do online. Each family handles this differently, but it helps if you establish clear rules. Discuss online behavior and its effects on offline life. Talk about online reputation, emphasizing that everything your child posts will be public and permanent. Remind your child that everyone he talks to online is a real person, so any hurtful comments he makes could have a long-term impact.

Track Your Child’s Online Habits

Keep the computer your child will be using in a central part of the house where you can monitor his activity. Check the browser history to make sure he’s not seeing anything he shouldn’t be. Aside from the websites and apps your child is using, pay attention to how much time he’s spending online. One way to do this is by setting a timer for each session for an agreed upon amount of time, like 30 minutes or an hour. When time is up, say so, and be firm. When it’s bedtime, consider turning off the Wi-Fi so the whole family can get offline for the night. 

online phone on social media next to laptop Orlando Catholic School

Know Who Your Child’s Online Friends Are

Before your child gets online, inform him that not everyone online is who they say they are. Look for warning signs, like spending long hours online at night, phone calls from strangers, and your child shutting off the computer when you walk in. Human trafficking is a growing problem that affects teens everywhere, even Central Florida, so it’s important to look out for the signs and have a conversation with your child. Talk to him about saying no, getting out of uncomfortable situations, and letting a teacher or parent know when something suspicious happens around him. Even if it doesn’t affect him directly, reporting suspicious behavior can save a life.

Along with the threat of human trafficking, cyberbullying is an issue for children, both being bullied and becoming the bully. Become friends with their social media accounts, and monitor their posts. If your child or his friends post something inappropriate, try to talk about it in private and offline. You want to be a trusted advisor, not an embarrassing parent. 

Find the Parental Controls

The good news is that parental controls are readily available. Internet service providers typically offer parental controls, so that’s a great place to start. Figure out how they work, and look into additional options like browser plugins and website filters to keep your child protected. Bookmark their favorite websites so they can easily access them. While you have a certain amount of control over what happens in your home, keep in mind that these filters aren’t perfect, and your child will be using the internet in other places, like at school and at friends’ houses.

mother stands behind child on computer Orlando Catholic School

Help Your Child Protect Themselves

To keep your child safe online, help them protect themselves. Tell your child why it’s important not to share information like their full name, location and school with strangers online. Show them how privacy filters work. No matter how hard we try, sometimes inappropriate messages get through. Teach your child how to report these types of messages and block accounts. At our Orlando Catholic school, we believe the internet can be a great resource for children, as long as they use it responsibly.

St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando Catholic school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is more than just a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.