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In this article, you will see our picks for 10 children’s books about autism with Black characters.

Autism Awareness Month is in April and many parents with a child on the spectrum will be looking for books about autism to read to their little ones.

While representation of autism is still low in children’s picture books, white parents will not have much difficulty finding books for their young ones.

However, the situation is much different for Black parents. The market for children’s books, including books about autism, is still skewed towards a primarily white demographic.

We already know about the disparities between Black and white character representation in children’s books, and the situation is even worse for Black representation in children’s picture books about autism.

The Association for Library Services for Children (ALSC) found that from a survey of 100 children’s books with an autistic character, fewer than 10 characters were non-white.

It cannot be overstated how important representation is for children and their parents.

Children’s books are one of the main tools for teaching children about life concepts that are appropriate for their learning and developmental levels. They also reinforce children’s identity and reflect the world and people they know. 

This is why a diversity of all life experiences in children’s books is important.

If you’ve been searching for Black children’s books about autism to support your child through their diagnosis, continue reading this article.

Black children’s books about autism can be your first step in not only teaching your kids about autism but also showing them that they are not alone and that there is a community like them and for them.

Here are 10 of the most popular children’s books about autism with Black characters.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here are our picks for children’s books about autism with Black characters:

1. My Brother Charlie

Recommended for children 4 – 8 years old.

My Brother Charlie is about a twin brother and sister. The brother, Charlie, has autism. As seen from the perspective of his twin sister, we learn about the similarities and differences between the twins and Charlie’s autism.

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My Brother Charlie

2. Charlie Makes a Splash

Recommended for children 4 -8 years old.

Charlie Makes a Splash is the follow-up to My Brother Charlie. In this book, you find Charlie and his twin sister, Callie, again. However, we hear from Charlie about all the things he loves to do and that “even though he has autism, autism doesn’t have him.”

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Charlie Makes a Splash!

3. When The World Gets Too Loud

Recommended for all ages.

When the World Gets Too Loud is a book that teaches children about autism and how to be kind and inclusive to those who are different from them. It is also recommended as a teacher and parent guide.

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When The World Gets Too Loud: A book about autism, kindness and inclusivity for young kids!

4. A Day With No Words

Recommended for children 4 – 8 years old.

A Day With No Words is about a boy who has autism. His mind is very active as he wonders about the difference between him and other people who can use their words. Although he doesn’t speak, he can communicate with his family.

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A Day With No Words

5. Just Like You

Recommended for children 8 – 12 years old.

Just Like You tells the story of Zachariah, a non-verbal kid who is excited to start pre-k school. This book is great for teaching kids about autism awareness and acceptance, making friends and accepting each other despite our differences.

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Just Like You

6. Rece Takes Swimming

Rece Takes Swimming is about Maurice (Rece) a boy who has autism with sensory processing differences. Rece is learning how to swim but he’s very afraid, does he overcome his fears and learn how to swim?

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Rece Takes Swimming

7. Brailynn, the Ballerina

Brailynn, the Ballerina is about acceptance, compassion and friendship. Brailynn is a ballerina with autism. As she struggles to learn the moves for the final show, her friend Jada provides the support and compassion she needs to succeed.

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Brailynn, the Ballerina: LIMITED EDITION

8. My Awesome Friend Denim Who Has Autism

Recommended for children 3 – 18 years old.

My Awesome Friend Denim Who Has Autism is about Trinity and her friend, Denim. Denim has autism. As Trinity tries to become friends with Denim, she learns more about autism.

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My Awesome Friend Denim Who Has Autism

9. Davis Speaks: A Brother with Autism

Recommended for children 3 -12 years old.

Davis Speaks: A Brother with Autism is about Nicholas and his baby brother Davis. Davis has autism. This book is about brotherly love and a family’s experience of the process of getting an autism diagnosis and learning about the different types of therapies for children with ASD.

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Davis Speaks: A Brother with Autism

10. Come Meet Drayden

Come Meet Drayen takes you into the life and daily routines of Drayden, who has autism, and his siblings.

buy on amazon

Come Meet Drayden

The post 10 Children’s Books About Autism with Black Characters appeared first on Childhood Central.

Before starting to shop this year for your dad, you need to ask yourself a simple question: What sort of things do dads like as gifts?

In this article, you’ll find a list of 30 things dads like that you can buy to suit any occasion, Christmas, Fathers’ Day, birthdays or just a regular day to say you care.

To make sure you know the things dads like as gifts before parting with hard-earned dough, check out our list below.

How did we come up with this list?

We looked at the statistics and found the top gift categories that dads prefer.

What Things Do Dads Like as Gifts?

While Mother’s Day spending outpaces Father’s Day spending, the average spend in the USA for Mother’s Day is US $219 while for Father’s Day, it’s US $190, spending for Father’s Day is still significantly high.

A 2022 survey in the USA showed that American consumers planned to spend US $20 billion on Father’s Day celebrations.

When it comes to other holidays like Christmas, the average spend per person in 2022 was $920 US.

Buying a gift for Dad might be more straightforward than you think. Whether you’re buying dad a gift for Father’s Day, Christmas or his birthday, dads are very clear on what they want.

A YouGov survey showed the things dads like as gifts for Father’s Day. The top gifts that dads want are a card (28%); a family outing (28); clothing items like shirts, socks or a tie (17%); something homemade (16%); tools (16%); electronics (14%) and hobby items like golf clubs, biking equipment, etc. (14%).

A recent survey in the States shows the top gift categories for Christmas are gift vouchers (38%), clothing, textiles, shoes (35%), smartphones, tablets and accessories (23%); and computers and computer accessories (17%).

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

30 Things Dads Like As Gifts

The recommended gifts below are all within the most coveted gift categories for dads.

1. Amazon.com eGift Card

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2. All Occasion Greeting Cards

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3. CARTMAN 39 Piece Tool Set General Household Hand Kit

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4. Dodowin Contour Gauge Profile Tools

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5. ROMANTICIST 25pcs Extra Thick Stainless Steel Grill Tool

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6. DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver Kit

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7. 11 Pocket Brown and Black Heavy Duty Construction Tool Belt

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8. Isner Mile Beard Kit for Men, Grooming & Trimming Tool Complete Set

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9. Convenience Kits International Men’s Premium 10-Piece Kit with Travel Size TSA Compliant Essentials

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10. Smart Watch For Men

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11. Ufree Beard Trimmer for Men, Waterproof Electric Hair Trimmer Beard Grooming Kit

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12. SHIZZO Grill Basket Value Set

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13. Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill

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14. Hudson Durable Goods – Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill

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15. Gotham Steel Sandwich Maker & Panini Press Sandwich Maker

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16. L’OR Barista System Coffee and Espresso Machine Combo

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17. ANYLINCON 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Station for Apple iPhone/iWatch/AirPods, iPhone

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18. Fossil Men’s Gen 6 44mm Touchscreen Smart Watch

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19. TESLYAR Wood Phone Docking Station, Ash Key Holder Stand and Watch Organizer

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20. ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner

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21. TRAVANDO Mens Slim Wallet with Money Clip AUSTIN RFID Blocking Bifold Credit Card Holder

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22. Neck Shoulder Back Massager with Heat

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23. JBL Flip 4, Black – Waterproof, Portable & Durable Bluetooth Speaker

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24. Marino Men’s Dress Socks

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25. HISDERN Mens Ties Set

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26. POLO RALPH LAUREN Men’s Classic Fit Polo Shirt

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27. Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos

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28. WOLT Basketball Backpack Large Sports Bag with Separate Ball Holder & Shoes Compartment

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29. AbcoTech Indoor Golf Putting Green – Mini Golf Set

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30. Amazon.com Gift Card

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The post 30 Awesome Things Dads Like as Gifts appeared first on Childhood Central.

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I remember when one of my friends became a new mom, she said that all the gifts she received were for the baby. Although she was touched by the consideration of family and friends for the baby gifts, she couldn’t help but feel invisible. Buying gifts for a new mom can help her to feel like herself again.

I’ve thought about this ever since and have always considered the new mom when visiting her after the birth of her newborn.  

Many new moms are completely focused on their baby and their new role as carer and protector of that child.

Often, new moms are riddled with fears and anxiety about whether they are good enough and if they are screwing up. They worry about how they will navigate motherhood and balance their lives.

With a variety of issues that new mothers have to deal with, they can sometimes lose themselves.

It’s usually the smallest and simplest things that tend to remind you of who you of the person you once were, and a considerate gift from a loved one is one of them.

If you’re shopping for gifts for a new mom, we have the 20 best gifts for a new mom to make her feel like herself again.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Skin Care Gifts for A New Mom

1. African Black Soap 

African Black Soap has been a staple in my beauty regime since my friend put me on to it over 12 years ago. The soap works wonders for people with sensitive skin, it removes all the junk from your face while being gentle on your skin. Black soap is multi-use so you can use it for showers and in homemade DIY shampoos!

2. Witch Hazel

Another one of my favourites is witch hazel which works as an astringent toner. It removes toxins and excess oil from the skin.

3. Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream

The Elizabeth Arden 8-hour Cream has been my go-to ever since it was gifted to me by a dear friend years ago. Unlike many lip balms or moisturizers, it works well all year round and, it’s multi-use!

4. Nars Tinted Moisturizer

A new mom may not have time to do a full face makeup but she might still want some coverage. This Nars Tinted Moisturizer comes in a variety of shades with SPF 30 and vitamin C.

5. Iman Lip Gloss 

This Iman lip gloss is just the perfect amount of shine and moisture to brighten a new mom’s face.

Hair Care Gifts for Mom to Look Like Herself Again

6. Silk Bonnet

A silk bonnet works wonders for keeping and maintaining your style. This is a great gift for new moms who don’t need bedhead on their list of worries.

7. Silk Pillowcase

There’s nothing that says “luxury” like silk bedding and a silk pillowcase is not only luxurious, it’s great for maintaining smooth skin and reducing frizzy hair in the morning.

8. Melanin Hair Care Multi-Use Leave-in Conditioner

If you’ve been a part of the natural hair community for a minute, you definitely know Whitney White or as she’s known by her YouTube name, Naptural85. Whitney took all her knowledge and experience of natural hair and bottled it up for our benefit. And boy, do we benefit from this multi-use leave-in conditioner!

9. Extensions for Braids

Braids are a great protective style that works all year round, they’re usually the go-to option for new moms who have just had a baby and or are breastfeeding.

10. Headscarf 

A headscarf is a fashionable way to hide those messy coils when you don’t have time to do your hair. Even with well-defined curls, it’s a great addition to your outfit. You can wrap it and be on your way, and that’s exactly what new moms need: a no-muss, no-fuss way to get on with their days.

11. Revlon Blow Dryer

Who doesn’t love a good blowout? In the past, you could spend a good few 45 blowing out your hair. However, this Revlon One Step blow dryer takes away a lot of the work from blow drying your hair.

Wellbeing Gifts for New Mom’s Rest and Relaxation

12. At-Home Spa Set

A spa treatment is that extra luxury that helps us to reset and recharge and should be a must in your self-care routine. However, new moms won’t always have the time to pop into the spa that’s why this at-home spa set is a great idea for the new mom in your life.

13. At-Home Foot Spa

Another great gift idea for a new mom, an at-home foot spa, is great for when a new mom wants to relax and relieve those tired feet.

14. Fluffy Slippers

These fluffy memory foam slippers are designed for comfort. They are waterproof and non-slip which is perfect for pregnant people.

15. Frida Breast Care Kit

This Frida Breast Care kit is loved by its users for increasing milk let down and bringing relief during painful engorgement. It includes a lactation massager, heat breast warmers, a breast mask for lactation and a breast mask for hydration.

Jewellery to Complete All of Mom’s Fabulous Looks

16. Sterling Silver Pendant Birthstone Necklace

There’s nothing like beautiful jewellery to make you feel like yourself again. This Sterling Silver Pendant Birthstone Necklace is a great gift for a new mom who loves beautiful jewellery.

17. Pandora Bracelet

This understated yet beautiful Pandora Bracelet is a great gift idea for a new mom to make her feel like herself again.

18. Swarovski Stone Crystal Earrings

These Swarovski Stone Crystal Earrings are elegant and trendy and a great gift idea for a new mom.

Bonus Gifts Ideas for New Moms

Still not sure what gifts to get a new mom?

19. You can give her an Amazon Gift Card so she can get herself exactly what she wants and any new mom will really appreciate Amazon Prime for super-fast shipping!

20, For those new moms who love to read but don’t get much time to do it now, an Audible Plus Membership is a great gift idea. She can catch up on the latest releases as she rocks the baby to sleep.

The post 20 Best Gifts for A New Mom to Make Her Feel Like Herself Again appeared first on Childhood Central.

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Mother’s Day 2023 is May 14.

Looking for Mother’s Day 2023 gift ideas? Don’t worry, we’ve got the list of the top 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas for your beautiful mum.

We know how much our mothers enjoy this special day of adoration and beautiful gifts, that’s why we search high and low to find them the best gifts to let them know how much we appreciate them.

Whether your mother is the cooking type, the gardening type or the type who loves a gorgeous piece of jewellery, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the top 10 gift ideas for Mother’s Day 2023.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mother’s Day 2023 Gift Idea for Moms Who Love Cooking

1. Instant Pot Rio Multi-Cooker

I don’t know about you, but the finest restaurants could never replicate my mother’s home-cooked meals. There’s no better expression of love than a warm meal made with love by your mother. Gift mom this best-selling, electric Instant Pot Rio Multi-Cooker. This multi-cooker has 7-in-1 functionality and is a slow cooker, rice cooker, yoghurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.

2. Rachael Ray 10-Piece Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set

A bakeware set is a great Mother’s Day gift idea to complement your mother’s kitchen cookware set. This Rachel Ray 10-piece Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set can be a great addition to your mother’s kitchen.

Top Gift Ideas for Gardening Moms

3. NAYE Garden Tool Set

For those mothers with a green thumb, hours spent in the garden tending to and pruning their plants are not only a source of beauty but can be active therapy that gives your mom that extra peace of mind.

4. Grace & August Gardening Apron

You pair mom’s gardening toolkit set with this handy Grace & August Gardening apron. They are perfect for harvesting fruits from the backyard or holding weeds removed from your mother’s garden bed.

Gift Ideas For Mom’s Relaxation

5.  Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine

Help mom to relieve her tired feet with the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine. Let’s face it, our mothers do a lot! All those hours of hard work translate to moms spending many hours on their feet and doing back-breaking work. Give your mom the gift of relaxation.

6. Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager

This Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is the perfect complement to the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine. This is an ideal gift for when your mom needs to relax but can’t quite make it to the spa for a professional massage.

For Mothers Who Love Jewellery

7. Sterling Silver Pendant Birthstone Necklace

We all know that a way to win over a woman is through gifting her jewellery; your mother is no different. Get your mama something shiny and sparkly with this beautiful Sterling Silver Pendant Birthstone Necklace jewellery.

8. Swarovski Stone Crystal Earrings

These Swarovski Stone Crystal Earrings are elegant and trendy. They are a great Mother’s Day 2023 gift idea for moms who love beautiful and well-crafted jewellery.

Mother’s Day 2023 Gift Ideas for Photo-Sharing Moms

9. Totocan Photo Album Self-Adhesive Pages

Do you remember the days when your mom used to gather everyone around the photo album to show them your baby pictures? If your mom is anything like mine, she still has those cherished photos in a photo album that has seen better days.

Why not upgrade her? Get her a brand new photo album for those chubby pictures of you and for the new ones of the grandkids that are sitting in her WhatsApp photo album.

10. EOMEOH Picture Frames Set of 10

While you’re at it, throw in some photo frames for her to display her beautiful family to every visitor who walks into her house.

No matter the type of mother you will be shopping for this Mother’s Day, you hope you’ve got some inspiration from our top 10 gift ideas for Mother’s Day 2023.

The post Mother’s Day 2023: Top 10 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas appeared first on Childhood Central.

Black Children’s Books Week is almost upon us. The event is planned to coincide with Black History Month.

Although Black Children’s Book Week is relatively new, it is making a splash! In this article, we look at this great initiative to support Black authors and to increase the readership of children’s books with Black characters.

What is Black Children’s Book Week?

Black Children’s Book Week was launched by the founders of Black Baby Books. It is a global celebration of our children and the people who ensure that they are represented in books and other children’s media.

This year, Black Children’s Book Week will run from 26^th February to 4^th March, 2023 and is jammed packed with activities and celebrations promoting books and authors that represent our children.

See the full list of events here. 

Why is Black Children’s Book Week Necessary?

Why is Black Children’s Book Week necessary? The simple answer is that we need more children’s books and authors that represent the beauty, complexity and layers of the experiences of Black children and their families.

Recent data has shown a significant decrease in children’s books with Black characters as the boost from Black Lives Matter fades.

The research conducted by Wordsrated.com showed that children’s books with Black characters on best-seller lists decreased by 23% in 2021. However, in 2020 during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement and after the murder of George Floyd, there were more Black characters in children’s books representing 28% while white characters were 25% and non-human characters were 16.8%.

The decline in children’s books with Black characters is also linked to a decline in the number of Black children’s book authors on the best-sellers list. The data show a 31% decrease in best-seller children’s books by Black authors.

While these numbers are worrying for representation and diversity in children’s literature, the research notes that children’s books with Black male characters and written by Black male authors are significantly underrepresented as there are 56% more Black female characters in children’s books than Black male characters. Additionally, there are  1.8 books by black female authors for every book by a black male author.

Make Reading Fun with Black Children’s Book Week

Reading has so many developmental benefits for your children. However, more than that, reading is fun, and your kids can get into the habit of becoming life-long readers if you know how to make it fun.

Do you want to know how to make reading fun for your kids?

Watch the video below on how to make reading fun for your kids.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

12 Black Children’s Books Recommendations for Your Kids

There is no better way to get ready for and celebrate Black Children’s Book Week than by adding these children’s books to your child’s collection.

Here are some of my recommendations for children’s books that you can get for your children now.

1. My Happy Baby

My Happy Baby

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2. Whose Toes Are Those?

Whose Toes Are Those?

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3. Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

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4. The Year We Learned To Fly

The Year We Learned to Fly

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5. One Love

One Love (Marley)

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6. My Happy Baby Colouring Book

My Happy Baby Colouring Book

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7. A Good Kind of Trouble

A Good Kind of Trouble

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8. Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood

Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood

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9. Miami Gets It Straight

Miami Gets It Straight (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))

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10. A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice

A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice

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11. I Am a Promise

I Am a Promise

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12. Islandborn

Islandborn

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The post A 23% Decline in Black Children’s Books Since BLM is Why We Need Black Children’s Book Week appeared first on Childhood Central.

Are you still trying to get your last-minute Christmas gift shopping done?

Have no fear, there is still time to get those gifts shipped and under the Christmas tree.

We looked high and low for these awesome last minute Christmas gifts for your kids this holiday season and most of these gifts will be delivered by 23rd December 2022.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Last Minute Christmas Gifts: Educational Toys

1. eeBoo: I Never Forget a Face, Memory & Matching Game

Memory games are great for children’s cognitive development. They help children’s memory and concentration. If you’re looking for a great gift for your kids to use all year round, one that will support their cognitive development. This memory game could be a great option for you.

What I love about this game is the representation of all the different faces of so many different ethnic groups. This is a great toy for the kids and the whole family.

eeBoo: I Never Forget a Face, Memory & Matching Game, Developmental and Educational, 24 Pairs to Match, Single or Multiplayer Function, for Ages 3 and up

See on Amazon

2. Upbounders- Santa’s Helpers – Christmas Puzzle for Kids

No need to wonder if Santa will find your house this Christmas. Get this Upbounders Santa puzzle and make sure that will be there Christmas morning. This 48-piece jigsaw puzzle is suitable for children aged 408 years old. This is a great educational toy as it supports children’s cognitive development, problem-solving skills and fine motor development.

Upbounders- Santa’s Helpers – Christmas Puzzle for Kids with Black Brown Santa – 48 Pieces – Kids Jigsaw Floor Puzzle for Boys Girls, Ages 4-8, Multi

See on Amazon

3. Revisa, Black History Flash Card

Don’t wait for Black History Month to get these amazing Revisa Black History flashcards. The flashcards are focused on the achievements and impact of history-making Black people. Teach your kids about Black history in a fun and engaging way with these flashcards.

Revisa, Black History Flash Card. Old Ages History Cards Story of African American. Black Culture Awareness for Kids, Boys and Girls – 53 Flashcards

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4. Darlyng & Co.’s Jamaica Alphabet Flashcards

It might be winter but you can have Jamaica under your Christmas tree. Ok, maybe not the whole of Jamaica but these amazing Jamaican Alphabet Flashcards. Teach your children about the ABCs island-style with cards such as A for Ackee (Jamaica’s national dish) and B for Bob Marley, the legendary reggae superstar.

Darlyng & Co.’s Modern Alphabet Affirmation Flash Cards for Kids ABC Flash Cards (Jamaica Alphabet Flash Cards)

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Try The Big-Hitters for Those Last Minute Christmas Gifts

5. Black Panther Connect 4

We all know what a cultural shift Black Panther was when it was first released in X. Following on from the success of the first film and the untimely death of the on-screen and real-life superhero, Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther made another blockbuster return to the big screens this year.

Get this Hasbro Connect 4 game for the kids and yourself for a bit of good family fun.

Hasbro Gaming Connect 4 Game: Black Panther Edition

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6. Monopoly: Black Panther Wakanda Edition

Add a spin to the classic monopoly game by getting the Black Panther Wakanda Edition. This edition of the Monopoly game features artwork, characters, components, and gameplay inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever movie.

Monopoly: Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Edition Board Game for Families and Kids Ages 8+, Game for 2-6 Players

See on Amazon

Try a Doll for Your Last Minute Christmas Gift

7. Qai Qai Doll by Serena Williams

Qai Qai is just as popular as her creator Serena Williams and her Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. Qai Qai first entered life as the confidence-boosting doll that helped Baby Girl to get over her fears and be awesome. Bring Qai Qai off the pages and into your baby’s arms this Christmas.

Just Play Qai Qai Doll by Serena Williams, Baby Doll with Coloring House Box, Removable Outfit, Stands Alone, Kids Toys for Ages 3 Up, Amazon Exclusive

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Books Are Great All Year Round

8. My Happy Baby 

The pitter-patter of little feet in the house brings sheer joy to every parent’s heart and My Happy Baby is the essence of this. This is a beautifully illustrated book that follows the journey of a happy baby and her adoring parents as they marvel at her growth and development. Every milestone is a cause for celebration. Celebrate with your happy baby in a warm, cosy spot while reading this delightful book.

My Happy Baby

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9. The Adventures of Qai Qai 

Ever needed a pick-me-up for those days when you’re not sure of your abilities? The adventures of Qai Qai all started here in this book when Baby Girl lost her confidence and her best friend Qai Qai came to life to boost her confidence for her dance recital. This is a great book to teach your children about confidence and belief in themselves.

The Adventures of Qai Qai

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10. Stacey’s Extraordinary Words

Got a brainy child? Then, Stacey’s Extraordinary Words might be the book you need this Christmas. This lovely book encourages children to be curious and expand their minds through learning new and big words. This book will challenge your child to learn new words and who knows, maybe you’ll end up with a Spelling Bee champ!

Stacey’s Extraordinary Words (The Stacey Stories)

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The post 10 Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Your Kids appeared first on Childhood Central.

If your baby is teething, a teething ring might be the best thing to help them through their teething.

Continue reading for tips on getting the best teething ring for your baby.

What is Teething?

Teething happens when your baby’s teeth begin to come through the gums. Teething usually begins around four months and lasts until 30 months (2.5 years) when your baby has gotten a full set of primary teeth.

You can find a teething eruption chart here.

Teething can be painful and irritable for babies, although some babies may not experience the discomfort of teething.

You will know when your baby begins to teeth as there are signs to tell you what is happening.

Symptoms and Signs of Teething

When your baby begins the teething process, you will notice these signs.

a. Excessive drooling that can cause a rash on your baby’s face

b. Swollen or tender gums

c. Fussiness and irritability

d. Changes in sleep pattern

e. Putting things in their mouth

f. A low-grade fever

g. Loss of appetite

What is a Teething Ring?

A teething ring is a type of teething toy that helps to soothe your baby’s sore gums during teething. Health professionals recommend teething rings as a teething aide to help relieve the pain of teething for babies.

Teething Ring Safety Tips

Teething toys for babies are a good way to help relieve the pain of teething. However, before you get a teething toy for your baby, here are a few safety tips that you should know.

1. Teething Ring Material

Make sure that you get a teething toy that is made from quality material. This should preferably be rubber. You want to ensure that your baby’s teething toy is not filled with any liquid which could leak into your baby’s mouth if the teething toy is broken or ruptured.

Also, avoid teething rings that are made from materials that could break easily and become a choking hazard for your baby.

2. Freezing Teething Ring

It is not recommended to freeze your baby’s teething ring because doing so could cause damage to your baby’s gum. You can, however, keep your baby’s teething toy cool.

3. Use Teething Rings with Caution

Do not tie your baby’s teething ring around their neck. This could result in choking or strangulation hazard. Also, always monitor your baby’s use of teething toys for any defects and damage after multiple uses. Stop using any toy that is broken or damaged to prevent choking.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Best Teething Rings for Your Baby

We’ve pulled together a list of the most recommended teething toys for babies below. You’ll want to check these out before you make your purchase to relieve your baby’s teething pain and make them a happy baby.

1. Best Hold Toy

Teething Toys for Babies Age 0 to 12 Months – Baby Elefun 5X Pain Relief Smart Teether – Zero Developmental Delay Silicone Baby Teething Toy Ring – Cute Infant Shower/Easter Gift Chew Toy for Babies

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BABY ELEFUN Teething Toy Ring

This Baby Elefun teething toy is a winner with 5 DIFFERENT TEXTURES AND BRISTLES that will stimulate your baby’s gums while also working as a first-stage toothbrush! 

It is made of 100% Food Grade Teething Silicone and is BPA Free.

Reviews: Over 80% of customers gave this teething toy a five-star review with many commenting on how easy it is for babies to hold it.

2. Best Easy-to-Clean Toy

Nuby Silicone Teethe-eez Teether with Bristles, Includes Hygienic Case, Blue

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Nuby Silicone Teethe-eez Teether

Recommended for babies 3 months and up.

This teething toy comes in a variety of colours and is made from 100% silicone and is BPA Free.

It has multiple teething surfaces to aid in the eruption of new teeth and includes a hygienic carrying case to keep the teether clean when not in use.

Reviews: Parents love how easy it is to keep this teether clean. It is a sure winner as over 80% of customers gave this toy five stars.

3. Best Sensory Toy

Bigspinach Soft Pink Elephant Teether Toy for Babies 0-6/6-12 Months Silicone Teething Toy Gift for Girls Gum Massager Anxiety Relief Items

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Bigspinach Soft Pink Elephant Teether

This teething toy for babies is made with all-natural grade silicone, just like pacifiers and nipples.

It is BPA Free, Phthalate Free, Latex Free, and Lead-Free.

It is also a stimulating sensory toy for toddlers. Effective for the front and middle teeth, plus those molars.

Reviews: The majority of customers gave this toy a 5-star rating.

4. Best for Massaging Gums

Dr. Brown’s Ridgees Giraffe, Massaging Baby Teether, Designed by a Pediatric Dentist, BPA Free,3m+

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Dr. Brown’s Ridgees Massaging Baby Teether Toy

This teething toy helps babies work out pain and discomfort and is designed by a pediatric dentist.

The toy features firm edges that massage sore gums and a surface that offers pressure relief from erupting teeth.

It is made of silicone and BPA FREE.

Review: Customers highly rated this product as the majority gave it five stars.

5. The Cutest Toy

Teething Toys for Boys – BPA Free Silicone – Easy to Hold, Soft, Bendable, Highly Effective Octopus Teether, Best for Freezer, Cool 3 6 12 Months 1 Year Old

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Baby Elefun Teething Toys for Boys

This cute teething toy for baby boys is made from silicone and BPA Free.

This friendly octopus is easy to grab and hold, lightweight and big perfectly sized for babies’ little mouths. It is one piece which reduces the risk of small pieces of the toy breaking off.

Reviews: Customers love how cute and safe this toy is for their little ones. Over 80% of customers gave this toy five stars.

The post Teething Ring: How it Helps and Our Pick of The 5 Best Teething Toys for Babies appeared first on Childhood Central.

Congratulations! Your happy baby is 1 year old. Your baby’s first three years of life are crucial to his development. Choosing the right toys to support her development is important and Montessori toys for 1-year-olds can do just that.

Montessori toys for 1-year-olds encourage children’s independent learning and exploration of the world around them.  

Montessori learning is a great approach to support your 1-year-old’s development because children are natural scientists; they love to ask questions and discover the world.

What is Montessori learning?

Montessori learning is an approach that is child-centred and focused on children learning independently through exploration and experience of the world as it is.

With this approach, children are encouraged and expected to work with each and learn from their mistakes. While adults facilitate children’s learning, they are not the centre of knowledge as with traditional teaching and learning methods.

Milestones for 1-year-olds

While every child is different, these are some of the milestones  that most children would have reached by the time they are 1-year-old:

1. Knows the difference between his parents/carers and strangers

2. Has a favourite toy

3. Communicates through gestures and basic words like “mama” and “dada”

4. Responds to simple requests and commands

5. Makes an effort to repeat words she hears

6. Can copy movements and gestures

7. Likes banging objects together

8. Can find things when they are hidden

9. Begins the early stages of walking with some help

10. Can sit without support

11. Can pull himself up and uses furniture for walking

Characteristics of Montessori Toys for 1-Year-Olds

When deciding on the best Montessori toys for your 1-year-old, these are some of the characteristics of Montessori toys that you should know about:

1. They are made of natural materials and do not have flashing lights 

2. Montessori toys reflect the real world

3. The toys focus on one skill at a time

4. Montessori toys foster children’s independent learning

5. They encourage children’s curiosity and need for exploration

Here is our list of Montessori toys for 1-year-olds.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Best Montessori Toy for 1-Year-Old Gross Motor Development

Janod Wooden Activity Baby Walker Cat

Recommended for children 1 – 3 years old.

This wooden walking aid is perfect to support your baby’s gross motor skills. The walking aid has 4 silent rubber wheels that work on carpet and hardwood floors. Let your baby explore the environment as they learn to walk.

Other features of this toy like the cat and mouse game, shape sorter and varied textures will support your baby’s visual and sensory development.

Review: 75% of customers gave this toy 5 stars.

2. Montessori Toy for 1-Year-Old Fine Motor Skills

10 Pack Wooden Peg Jigsaw Puzzle

Recommended for children 1 – 3 years old.

The Wooden Peg Puzzle is made with non-toxic paint and helps children with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and problem-solving.

Review: 75% of customers gave this toy 5 stars.

3. Montessori Toy for 1-Year-Old Colour Recognition

Wooden Sorting and Stacking Toy

Recommended for children 1 – 3 years old.

This colourful stacking and sorting toy is great for your baby’s fine motor skills and colour recognition. As your child grows older, it will be a great aid for learning to count.

Review: Customers love this toy as 80% of them gave it 5 stars.

4. Best Musical Montessori Toy

Early Melodies Pound and Tap Bench

Recommended for children 1 – 3 years old.

This Montessori musical toy is sure to bring sweet music to your baby’s ears. The xylophone can be played in different ways and promote music development and audio recognition.

Review: 84% of customers gave this toy 5 stars.

5. Best Activity Cube for 1-Year-Olds

TOP BRIGHT Activity Cube

Recommended for children 12 months and up.

This activity cube toy is made from natural solid wood with polished edges and non-toxic water-based paint. It will help your baby develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sorting skills and colour recognition.

Review: 73% of customers gave this toy 5 stars.

6. Best Toy For Visual Tracking Development

Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer

Recommended for children 18 months and up.

This toddler ramp race track toy is made of high-quality wood, BPA Free and stained with bright non-toxic water-based paint.

The colourful cars sliding down the ramp will help your baby with visual tracking development.

Review: 79% of customers gave this toy 5 stars.

7. Best Montessori Toy for 1-Year-Old STEM Learning

TOY Life Animal Shaped Wooden Puzzle

Recommended for children 1 – 6 years old.

This wooden puzzle toy is made of high-quality natural wood, which is smooth, rounded, and with no splintery edges and painted with bright coloured non-toxic paint.

This toy is great for your baby’s cognitive development and will teach your baby about animals and nature.

Review: 77% of customers gave this toy 5 stars.

8. Best Challenge Montessori Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Janod 2-in-1 Speedy Fish Wooden Puzzle and Magnetic Game

Recommended for children 18 months and up.

Let’s go fishing! This great Montessori toy for 1-year-olds will encourage your baby’s independent play and support both fine and gross motor skills. The hanging rod and magnets will provide your baby with that extra bit of challenge to fit all the parts in place.

Review: Customers love this toy with 80% of them giving it 5 stars.

9. Best Pull Montessori Toy

Janod Zigolos Giant 31 Piece Multicolor Wood Pull-Along Train and Stacker

Recommended for children 1 – 3 years old.

This Montessori toy for 1-year-olds will support your baby’s motor and problem-solving skills.

The toy is crafted from solid wood and painted with child-safe water-based paints.

Review: Parents love this toy and the quality of the materials it’s made from with over 80% of them giving it 5 stars.

10. Best Rocker for 1-Year-Olds

Janod Rocking Elephant – Classic Wood Rocker Ride

Recommended for children 1 – 3 years old.

Allow your baby to have some fun and independent play with this cute rocker. It will help to develop gross motor skills. The safety barrier is perfect for when your baby is younger but can be removed as your baby grows older.

Review: Parents raved about the quality of the materials and gave it 5 stars.

The post 10 Best Montessori Toys for 1-Year-Olds appeared first on Childhood Central.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

It is National Read a Book Day!

Reading is fun and is a major booster for your baby’s brain development, language and reading skills.

If you want your children to develop a love for books, you need to start reading a book to them every day.

There are many benefits to reading with your baby. As we celebrate National Read a Book Day, here are some benefits of reading books to your baby.

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Benefits of Reading a Book a Day to Your Baby

1. Reading a book a day to your baby is an important way to bond with your baby.

2. Read a book a day to teach your baby how to communicate.

3. Reading every day builds your baby’s vocabulary and language skills. Children who are frequently read to begin school with a more extensive vocabulary than children who are not.

4. When you read a book to your baby every day you will introduce him to early learning and mathematical concepts such as numbers, colours and shapes.

5. As your baby grows older, her imagination and creativity will benefit from you reading aloud to her every day.

6. Every time you open a new book, you introduce your baby to new experiences and the world around him.

7. Reading a book every day to your baby could be the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.

Pro Tip: Remember, reading to your baby should be fun! Use these strategies to make reading for your baby a fun and exciting experience.

Happy Read a Book Day!

The post National Read a Book Day appeared first on Childhood Central.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The moment has arrived; your teenager is going to college abroad. With all the planning and preparation to ensure that your child is ready for college abroad, how to pack for college abroad should be at the top of your list.

With airlines getting stingier and stingier with their baggage allowances, knowing how to pack for college abroad is no easy feat.

While you want to ensure that your child has all the essentials they need for a successful trip, you also have to consider the baggage limits set by the airline so that their baggage is not overweight.

Don’t worry, here is your guide to the 8 essentials to pack for college abroad.

But before we get into that, here are some pro tips for packing up your teenager for study abroad.

Packing your teenager for college abroad is truly a balancing act. Check out these Pro Tips for packing for college abroad. 

Pro tip 1: Ensure to check the airline baggage allowance to know what you’re working with before you start packing for college.

Pro tip 2: Use packing techniques that will allow for maximising space. I find that laying my clothes flat instead of folding them has always worked well for me.

Pro tip 3: Although your child is going off to college in the fall if they are going to a cold country, you will surely be thinking about packing for winter. Don’t make the mistake of packing a lot of bulky winter attire. They are heavy and will take up space. It’s better to pack light to medium wear.

Staying warm in winter is all about layering and having a warm winter coat. Once those basics are covered, your child will be alright. It’s better to pack light to medium wear clothes to maximise space and take your child through the school year without the need to buy extra clothes.

How to Pack for College Abroad

1. Pack Clothing for All Season

Outerwear: Fall jacket/Winter jacket

As I mentioned above, the key to staying warm in winter is a warm winter coat. Winter coats are very bulky, but they cannot be left at home. Once your child has this basic winter essential, you should ensure the rest of the clothing items you’re packing are light to medium weight and are great for layering.

You may consider packing a light jacket that he will be using in autumn and can be used again in the spring.

Pro tip: Pack clothes that can be worn for all seasons. It’s also important to pack clothes that are appropriate for class and can be worn for other events.

2. Pack Footwear for College Abroad

Again, like above, you want to be strategic with your packing. Help your child pack shoes that can transition from fall to winter. Pack a good, warm, and sturdy pair of winter boots that will take her through the winter months.

Pro tip: Check the average winter temperatures and snowfall in your child’s new host country; this will help her to pack for the winter months.

If your child is going to college abroad in a warm country, ensure to pack durable and comfortable shoes that can last a long time.

Flip-flops are essential! Yes, they are great for summer but are even better for wearing around the dorm.

Let’s face it, your children will not be at home anymore with your clean floors. Dorms and co-share apartments can get messy. He will need flip-flops to be worn in his dorm room.

Also important, flip-flops will be very necessary for those shared showers!

Hurley Women’s Joli Flip Flops

3. How to Pack for College: Bedding

Another packing for college abroad essential is bedding. It’s likely your child’s dorm room will have a single bed, and it is not normal for accommodations to provide bedding. If they do, they will charge extra for it.

Save on spending on extra expenses by packing a sheet set that includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase.

If your child is going to college abroad during the winter, you can purchase a duvet and send it to her as soon as she arrives and is settled in.

Clara Clark Premier 1800 Collection 3pc Bed Sheet Set – Twin (Single) Size, Strawberry Pink

4. Pack A Towel for College Abroad

It’s always important to throw in a body towel when packing for college. To start, your teenager may just need one body towel to begin.

Remember that he has limited space and a weight limit for his baggage. However, you want to make sure that he will have all the essentials he needs to be set up for the school year.

Amazon Basics Fade-Resistant Cotton Bath Towel – 2-Pack, Gray, 12″ x 12″

5. How to Pack for College Abroad: Hygiene Products

Packing for college abroad is easier now than before with the travel sizes of many personal hygiene products. These are great because they have everything your child will need for her first few weeks of college. They also can fit perfectly in her suitcase or her carry-on.

Pro tip: If your child plans to pack the travel-size toiletries in her carry-on, make sure to check the airline rules for allowances for these items. You also want to check the size and measurements of each product in the pack.

Convenience Kits International Women’s Deluxe 10 Piece Kit with Travel Size TSA Compliant Essentials Featuring: Pantene Hair Products in Reusable Toiletry Zippered Bag

Convenience Kits International Men’s Deluxe, 9-Piece Kit with Travel Size TSA Compliant Essentials , Featuring: Old Spice Products in Reuseable Toiletry Bag

6. Essential Electronics for College Abroad

Laptop

When packing your child for college, it’s important to consider the electronic support he will need for a successful academic year.

While some children may have their laptops, others don’t. If your child does not yet have his laptop, he will need one as he makes his way to college.

It’s important to get a reliable and light laptop for him as he embarks on his college journey.

Pro tip: When choosing a laptop for your child, make sure that you read the specifications carefully and that they cover all of your child’s needs.

HP Pavilion Laptop (2022 Model), 15.6″ HD Display, Intel Celeron Quad-Core Processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, Online Conferencing, Webcam, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, Windows 11

International Adapter

Going abroad for college has its pros and cons. One of the biggest cons is that your child’s electronics are likely to not work with the host country’s electric system.

To ensure that your teenager doesn’t run into any problems in her host country with using her electronics and charging her phone, you need to pack an international adapter.

International adapters are a traveller’s best friend. They convert the electric voltage so that your electronics don’t get damaged, and they have multiple outlet plugs for most regions.

Travel Adapter with USB C, Universal All in One Worldwide Travel Adapter Power Converters Wall Charger AC Power Plug Adapter USB Type C Charging Ports for USA EU UK AUS Black

Dual Sim Mobile Phone

I cannot stress enough how practical having a dual sim phone is. A dual sim card phone has space for two sim cards and two lines on your mobile phone.

These are practical for international travels as having a dual sim phone allows you to transition seamlessly through countries.

You can have your sim card from your home country and add a new sim card from your host country as soon as you arrive. There is no need to swap out a sim card and risk losing your home country’s sim card.

SAMSUNG Galaxy A13 5G Cell Phone, Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone, 64GB, Triple Lens Camera, Infinity Display Screen, Long Battery Life, Expandable Storage, US Version, Green

Also important is to ensure that your child’s dual sim phone is unlocked before he travels. This is important because if the mobile phone is locked to a network, he will not be able to use it abroad with another sim.

If he doesn’t have an unlocked phone, will have to get a new phone (typically on a plan) or buy one which can be expensive.

Although you can find phone unlock stores in many foreign cities, the last thing you want is for your child to be looking for these when he arrives and is orienting himself with his new environment and getting organised in his new school life.

7. Packing Essential: Stationery

No list for packing for college would be complete without the stationery and school supplies your teenager will need for college.

These essentials include:

a. Notebooks

b. Pens

c. Pencils

d. Eraser

e. Highlighter

g. Stapler

h. Paper clips

8. Essential Backpack for College Abroad

Finally, a good backpack is something that your child will need for university. It’s also practical for his initial travel abroad because you can pack other things in it. More importantly, it will be part of his everyday life at college.

JanSport SuperBreak One Backpacks, Black – Durable, Lightweight Bookbag with 1 Main Compartment, Front Utility Pocket with Built-in Organizer – Premium Backpack

So, this is your essential guide to packing for college abroad. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.

The post How to Pack for College Abroad: The 8 Essentials You Will Need For Success appeared first on Childhood Central.