Authoritarian Parenting vs Gentle Parenting: Weighing Parenting Styles for Children in 2025

In today’s digital age, coding for kids is no longer unfamiliar. Many parents recognize the importance of introducing coding early as one of the essential 21st-century skills. Beyond helping children understand technology, learning to code can also be a fun way to spark their creativity. This article explores some exciting coding activities kids can try to make learning programming more engaging and creative.   Why Is Coding for Kids Important? Learning to code from an early age offers many benefits for children’s development, including: Developing Systematic Thinking: Kids learn to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps. Enhancing Creativity and Innovation: Coding encourages kids to imagine and create new solutions or projects like games and animations. Building Problem-Solving Skills: Children get used to facing challenges and finding effective ways to solve them. Improving Collaboration: Many coding projects teach kids how to work together as a team and communicate clearly. Preparing for a Digital Future: Coding skills become valuable assets in a world increasingly dependent on technology.   Fun Coding Activities Kids Can Do 1. Create Simple Games One of the most enjoyable coding activities for kids is making simple games. Using platforms like Scratch or Code.org, children can learn basic logic while being creative. They might create puzzle games, adventure games, or interactive quizzes. This step-by-step game-building process helps kids learn gradually and feel proud when their creations can be played by themselves or friends.   2. Make Animations and Interactive Stories Besides games, kids can try coding animations or interactive stories. This sharpens their storytelling skills along with visual creativity. Platforms such as Tynker or Scratch allow children to combine images, sounds, and movements to bring stories to life.   3. Daily Coding Challenges Giving simple daily coding challenges can spark curiosity and keep kids excited to learn. Examples include programming a virtual robot to move, changing background colors, or making characters move in specific directions. These challenges can be adapted based on the child’s age and skill level.   4. Build Simple Applications For older kids or those familiar with coding basics, building simple apps like calculators, to-do lists, or quiz apps can be fun. This teaches them how functions and user interfaces work.   5. Experiment with Robotics and IoT Combining coding with robotics or the Internet of Things (IoT) can be super exciting for kids. They can learn to program robots to perform certain tasks or control devices through apps they create. This blends coding concepts with real-world applications, making learning even more engaging.   Tips to Make Coding Fun for Kids Choose Kid-Friendly Platforms: Use coding platforms that are easy to understand and interactive. Scratch, Tynker, and Code.org are popular choices. Provide Guidance: Accompany your child during their coding journey, especially when they’re learning new concepts. Align Projects with Interests: Tailor coding projects to your child’s hobbies and passions to keep them motivated. Offer Praise and Encouragement: Celebrate every effort and creation to maintain their enthusiasm. Combine Coding with Other Activities: Integrate coding with arts, math, or science to broaden learning experiences.   Supporting Your Child’s Creativity Through Fun Coding Learning coding for kids is more than just mastering programming languages; it’s about nurturing creativity, logic, and problem-solving skills. With fun coding activities like game creation, animations, daily challenges, simple apps, and robotics, children can learn in an enjoyable and effective way. Parents can support this by choosing the right platforms, guiding the learning process, and making coding an activity that matches their child’s interests. One recommended program is Timedoor Academy, which offers child-friendly, easy-to-follow coding lessons. Timedoor Academy also provides free trial classes, allowing parents and kids to explore coding for free and without pressure before deciding to enroll.

Hiking is no longer just an activity for adults. It has become a popular choice for family holidays that are both educational and fun. In Indonesia, more and more parents are introducing nature and outdoor activities to their children from a young age. One of the best ways to do this is by taking your child to climb a kid-friendly mountains, which is a mountain with easy trails, a safe environment, and good facilities for families. Choosing a kid-friendly mountain does more than give your children a new experience. It also helps strengthen family bonds, nurtures a love for nature, and builds both physical and mental endurance in kids. Hiking can help children learn independence, teamwork, and greater self-confidence. No wonder more and more families are searching for kid-friendly mountains as an alternative to typical family vacations. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it is important to pick a kid-friendly mountain with gentle trails, manageable distances, and beautiful scenery that keeps kids motivated. Here are six top recommendations for kid-friendly mountains in Indonesia that are perfect for family adventures. 1. Mount Papandayan, Garut Mount Papandayan in Garut, West Java is one of the most popular kid-friendly mountains in Indonesia. The trail is gentle and easy for both kids and beginners. The walk to the camping ground only takes about one to two hours, with views of volcanic craters, fields of edelweiss, and the unique "dead forest" area. Facilities near the basecamp are very complete, including toilets, food stalls, and a spacious parking area. Mount Papandayan is a favorite destination for families who want to enjoy the mountain atmosphere without the challenge of difficult climbs. 2. Mount Andong, Magelang This kid-friendly mountain is located in Magelang, Central Java. Mount Andong rises to only 1,726 meters above sea level but offers truly beautiful panoramic views. The hiking trail is short and perfect for children aged six and up who are used to light hiking. The summit is spacious enough for camping, and the cool air together with the rice fields at the base add to its charm. Many families and nature communities recommend Andong as one of the best kid-friendly mountains in Central Java. 3. Mount Prau, Dieng Famous as one of Indonesia’s best sunrise spots, Mount Prau in the Dieng Plateau is also considered a kid-friendly mountain. With an elevation of 2,565 meters above sea level, its gradual incline is safe for beginners and children. The hike to the summit generally takes just two to three hours, so it will not tire out the kids. At the top, children can enjoy sweeping views of clouds and beautiful savanna. Remember to bring warm clothing since it can get very cold at the summit, especially in the early morning. 4. Mount Bromo, East Java Mount Bromo is already famous as a family tourism destination and is definitely a kid-friendly mountain. The route to Bromo’s crater and the sea of sand is very accessible, and can be covered on foot or by horseback from the parking area. Children will love watching the sunrise from Penanjakan, playing in the sand, and learning about the local Tengger culture. The area’s facilities are excellent, with plenty of accommodations, public toilets, and a wide variety of local foods available. 5. Mount Penanggungan, Mojokerto Another great kid-friendly mountain is Mount Penanggungan, located in Mojokerto, East Java. Even though its elevation is 1,653 meters, the trail is gentle and can be completed in two to three hours. Along the way, children will pass historical sites from the ancient Majapahit Kingdom, making this an educational hike. The large camping grounds and beautiful sunrise views make Mount Penanggungan a perfect choice for family adventures. 6. Mount Puntang, Bandung Mount Puntang in South Bandung is the next kid-friendly mountain on our list. The trail is not too steep, there are plenty of water sources, and the camping ground is safe for children. In addition to hiking, families can camp, ride bikes, or simply enjoy a picnic under the cool pine forest. Mount Puntang is perfect for safely introducing children to outdoor activities and the joys of nature. Safety Tips for Hiking with Kids To make your hiking adventure more comfortable, here are some tips for families: Choose a kid-friendly mountain with a short, gentle trail and adequate facilities. Prepare hiking gear that is suitable for your child’s age, such as jackets, shoes, hats, snacks, and water. Always accompany your child while hiking and do not let them walk too far ahead or behind. Make the journey fun by helping your child learn about the local plants and animals along the trail. Take lots of photos and videos to capture your family moments. Balancing Outdoor Adventures and Digital Skills Introducing children to the adventure of hiking a kid-friendly mountain is a great way to nurture a love of nature and build their courage. At the same time, do not forget to equip your child with important skills for the twenty-first century, such as coding and digital literacy. A balance of outdoor experiences and technological knowledge will prepare children for the challenges of the future. If you want your child to experience coding in a fun and interactive way, try enrolling them in a free trial coding class at Timedoor Academy. Let your kids grow into adventurous, nature-loving, and tech-savvy individuals who are ready for tomorrow’s world.

In today’s digital era, graphic design has become an increasingly essential skill, even for kids. Design is not just about drawing or creating illustrations. It also helps children develop creativity, visual logic, and systematic thinking. One of the most popular and beginner-friendly design tools to introduce early on is Figma. This article will guide you on how to use Figma for kids in a fun and easy-to-follow way. Figma is a web-based design platform widely used by UI/UX professionals and graphic designers. But because of its intuitive interface and real-time collaboration features, Figma can also be a great learning tool for children, especially those curious about digital design, posters, invitations, app layouts, or even simple games. Why Kids Should Learn Digital Design Digital design is not only about aesthetics, but also about communication. Kids who learn design early tend to express ideas visually, organize information clearly, and feel more confident experimenting with their creativity. Design skills also open doors to other fields like illustration, app development, animation, and branding. By learning how to use Figma for kids, the design process becomes more engaging. They can instantly try, rearrange, and explore design elements without needing to install any additional software. What to Prepare Before Using Figma Before your child starts designing, here are some things to set up: Figma account: Create a free account at figma.com. Use a parent’s email and assist during setup. Device: A laptop or desktop with a stable internet connection works best. Simple design theme: Start with fun, easy projects like a birthday card or character illustration. Benefits of Using Figma for Kids Here are some of the main benefits of using Figma as a learning tool for kids: Enhances creativity and visual aesthetics Builds logical thinking through layout structure Boosts confidence through hands-on creation Encourages teamwork and collaboration in online settings Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Figma for Kids Below are specific steps on how to use Figma for kids, including core features and how to guide them: 1. Introduce the Interface and Basic Tools After logging in to a Figma account, walk your child through the main elements of the workspace: Canvas: the blank area where they’ll build designs Top toolbar: includes tools like Move, Frame, Shape, and Text Left panel: shows the object structure (layers) Right panel: used to adjust color, size, position, and effects Let them freely draw circles, squares, or stars and experiment with colors. This unstructured play helps them get familiar with Figma naturally. This is also a great starting point in how to use Figma for kids in a stress-free way. 2. Start a New Project Click New Design File and let your child name it something fun like “My Poster” or “Cute Cat Project.” Then: Create a Frame using A4 size or mobile screen dimensions Add shapes via the Shape tool, then change colors on the right panel Add text with the Text Tool, and adjust font size, color, and position This step of how to use Figma for kids feels like drawing on a digital piece of paper—fun and intuitive. 3. Add Images and Illustrations To make their design more dynamic, help them insert images: Click File > Place Image and choose from your computer Or simply drag and drop into the canvas Use the Unsplash plugin to find royalty-free images directly inside Figma This makes it easier for kids to create digital greeting cards, collages, or mood boards. These small projects are practical examples of how to use Figma for kids in real-life situations. 4. Create Simple App or Game Layouts For older kids, try introducing them to basic app layout design: Use Frames sized for iPhone or Android Add titles, icons, and buttons Turn elements into Components for duplication Use Prototype mode to simulate screen transitions This is a creative and exciting way to teach design logic and basic UX thinking. It’s also a more advanced stage in how to use Figma for kids who want to go deeper. 5. Collaborate and Present Figma is perfect for collaborative learning. Kids can: Click Share to invite parents, teachers, or friends Use Presentation Mode to view their design full-screen Receive comments directly on the canvas and learn from feedback These interactions help kids learn how to present and improve their ideas. How to use Figma for kids can extend into valuable lessons on teamwork and communication. Combine with Online Design Classes To support their learning journey, consider enrolling your child in an online design course. Timedoor Academy offers kid-friendly design programs based on fun projects and personalized learning. Learning how to use Figma for kids is much easier when supported by friendly mentors and structured activities. Tips for Parents to Support Learning To make the learning process smoother, parents can: Be present during the early stages, then give room to explore Ask about their designs and encourage storytelling Avoid focusing on perfection—celebrate creativity instead Try designing together as a bonding activity Ready to Introduce the World of Design? Introducing your child to digital creativity can begin with simple tools like Figma. With the right guidance and playful approach, how to use Figma for kids becomes a fun activity that sharpens logic, builds visual confidence, and sparks interest in technology. Timedoor Academy is here to support your journey. With interactive online classes and friendly instructors, your child can learn to design with confidence. Try a free class today and help your child discover their design potential from an early age.