5 Effective Ways How to Improve Children’s Literacy

In today’s fast-paced world, the demands for relevant skills are constantly evolving. For parents, ensuring that children acquire 21st century skills for children is essential so they can adapt, compete, and thrive in the future. This article will explore what these skills are and how parents can actively support their children in developing them effectively. What Are 21st Century Skills? 21st century skills refer to abilities that children need to face global challenges and technological advancement. These skills include critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and self-management. By mastering these competencies, children are not only able to learn efficiently but also solve problems creatively and innovate in various aspects of life. It is crucial for parents to understand that 21st century skills for children extend beyond academics. For example, the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively helps children form strong relationships, while creativity and critical thinking equip them to tackle complex problems. These skills lay the foundation for lifelong learning and resilience. Why Are 21st Century Skills Important for Children? In an increasingly digital world, children face different opportunities and challenges compared to previous generations. They require more than basic knowledge—they need the ability to navigate information wisely, adapt to change, and work effectively with others. Therefore, 21st century skills for children are vital in establishing a strong foundation for future success. Moreover, these skills foster lifelong learning. Critical and creative thinking enable children to explore their surroundings, generate innovative ideas, and develop solutions to emerging problems. Digital literacy is also a key component, as technology continues to play a central role in everyday life and the workforce. Core 21st Century Skills for Children Here are some essential competencies included in 21st century skills for children: 1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving The ability to analyze information, evaluate solutions, and make informed decisions is crucial. Children trained in critical thinking can approach challenges calmly and wisely. 2. Creativity and Innovation Creativity allows children to generate new ideas and innovate. Through art, science experiments, and technology, parents can nurture creativity in their children. This aspect of 21st century skills for children is closely linked to innovation. 3. Communication and Collaboration Effectively expressing ideas and working within a team are key for success. Children accustomed to group work are more capable of sharing ideas and learning from others. 4. Digital Literacy Children must understand how to use technology effectively and safely. Digital literacy helps them access information responsibly, create positive content, and avoid risks online. Digital competence is an essential component of 21st century skills for children. 5. Self-Management Time management, emotional regulation, and goal setting are parts of self-management. Children who develop these skills become more disciplined and confident in facing challenges. Parents’ Role in Developing 21st Century Skills Parents play a critical role in supporting the development of 21st century skills for children. Some steps include: Providing opportunities for children to experiment and explore their interests. Facilitating safe access to technology and educational resources. Encouraging teamwork and participation in creative projects. Modeling self-management and effective communication. With proper guidance, children will naturally develop skills that are beneficial not only academically but also in daily life and future careers. Developing 21st Century Skills at Timedoor Academy Timedoor Academy offers programs designed to help children master 21st century skills for children through engaging and interactive methods. By combining technology, coding, and creative activities, children can learn while playing, developing creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities. These programs ensure every child has the opportunity to explore their talents, innovate, and build confidence. With parental support and the right learning environment, children will be well-prepared to face the challenges of a modern world. Preparing Children for the Future Developing 21st century skills for children is not optional—it is essential. Equipping children with critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and self-management prepares them to succeed in a global environment.If you want your child to learn 21st century skills in an engaging and effective way, sign up for a free trial at Timedoor Academy today and let them start exploring, creating, and growing for a bright future.

Causes of stunting in children remains one of the most serious public health challenges globally. This condition not only affects a child’s height, making them shorter than their peers, but it also impacts brain development and long-term cognitive ability. To prevent this condition early, it is essential for parents and caregivers to understand the main causes of stunting in children and how to effectively address them. In this article, we will explore five key causes of stunting in children along with practical solutions that can support optimal growth and development. 1. Poor Nutritional Intake During Pregnancy One of the leading causes of stunting in children is inadequate nutrition during pregnancy. When a pregnant mother does not consume a well-balanced diet, there is a higher risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight, which is an early factor that can lead to stunting. A fetus depends entirely on the nutrients the mother consumes. A lack of important micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and calcium can hinder fetal growth. It is therefore crucial for expectant mothers to maintain regular check-ups and follow a nutritious, balanced diet from the beginning of pregnancy. 2. Inadequate Exclusive Breastfeeding Another common cause of stunting in children is the lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. Breast milk contains all the essential nutrients a baby needs, including antibodies that protect against infection. Babies who do not receive exclusive breastfeeding or who are introduced to complementary food too early are at higher risk of nutrient deficiencies that may affect growth. After six months, it is recommended to introduce complementary foods that are age-appropriate and nutrient-dense, while continuing to breastfeed. 3. Unbalanced Diet During Toddler Years After the breastfeeding stage, children need a daily intake of nutritious foods to support their growth. A frequent cause of stunting in children is an unbalanced diet that relies heavily on carbohydrates but lacks adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals. Children’s meals should include diverse food groups such as animal and plant-based proteins, vegetables, fruits, and energy sources like rice or tubers. Serving colorful and varied meals is a simple way to ensure that children receive the nutrients they need to grow optimally. 4. Frequent Infections and Poor Sanitation Repeated infections such as diarrhea, respiratory illness, and worm infestations are also major contributors to stunting in children. When a child is frequently ill, their body uses energy to fight off infections rather than to grow. This reduces nutrient absorption and may gradually impair development. Poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and lack of access to clean toilets increase the risk of infectious diseases. Families should ensure a clean living environment and teach children good hygiene habits, such as washing hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet. 5. Limited Parental Knowledge of Nutrition and Development A lack of awareness about nutrition and child development among parents is an indirect but significant factor contributing to stunting in children. Many caregivers are unaware of how to track their child’s growth or recognize early signs of nutritional deficiencies. Visiting local health centers, participating in parenting classes, or accessing online consultations with nutritionists can help improve parents’ knowledge. With the right information, parents can take preventive steps early and ensure their child grows up healthy and strong. How to Effectively Prevent Stunting in Children Stunting does not happen overnight. It is often the result of multiple contributing factors from pregnancy through the first two years of life. This period, known as the first 1,000 days of life, is critical for building a child’s foundation for long-term health and development. Some effective steps parents can take include: Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy Exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months Introducing nutritious complementary foods from six months onward Practicing good hygiene and maintaining clean living conditions Regularly monitoring child growth with healthcare professionals Public education on proper nutrition and sanitation must also be expanded so that every child has an equal chance to grow and thrive. Healthy Body, Healthy Brain, and Digital Skills Too Understanding the causes of stunting in children is the first step in making informed decisions about their well-being. Alongside proper nutrition and health care, it is also beneficial to introduce children to future-ready skills such as coding. Timedoor Academy offers fun, interactive online coding classes tailored for kids. These classes help develop logical thinking and creativity in a child-friendly environment. Try a free trial class now at Timedoor Academy!

In today’s modern era, one of the biggest challenges for parents is making sure their children stay physically active amid the dominance of gadgets and digital activities. Many children prefer playing games at home rather than running or playing outdoors. In reality, choosing the best sports for children is very important to support their growth, health, and happiness. Through the right physical activities, children can develop healthy habits that last into adulthood. Every child has different interests and abilities. That’s why it is important for parents to understand what types of sports are best for their child, based on age, interest, and health conditions. By introducing physical activity from an early age, children will get to know their bodies, learn teamwork, and build self-confidence. Recommended Sports for Children by Age To maximize the benefits, here are some recommendations for the best sports for children, grouped by age: Ages 3–6:At this stage, children need simple and fun physical activities. Some of the best sports for young children include playing ball, riding a tricycle, swimming, gymnastics, and dancing. Games like hide and seek or jumping rope are also great for developing gross motor skills. Ages 7–12:Children can start joining more structured and competitive sports. Recommended sports for this age group include soccer, basketball, badminton, athletics, martial arts, and swimming. At this age, children also begin to learn teamwork and sportsmanship. Teenagers:As they enter their teenage years, children can choose sports that match their interests and talents, whether in teams or individually. They can also try more specific sports such as volleyball, table tennis, pencak silat, or archery. Teenagers are usually more motivated if sports are done together with friends. Tips to Keep Children Excited About Sports To help children stay enthusiastic and consistent about sports, parents can try these tips: Make sports a family routine, such as exercising together every weekend. Give children the opportunity to try various types of sports until they find what they enjoy most. Avoid comparing your child’s abilities with others; focus on their progress and efforts. Offer praise and support for every effort and achievement. Keep the sports environment fun, so that sports never feel like a burden or punishment. Balancing Sports and Digital Activities Besides introducing the best sports for children, it is also important to teach children how to manage their time between physical and digital activities. In the technology era, it’s true that children need to become familiar with the digital world, but physical health should always be a priority. Parents can create a daily schedule that balances study time, screen time, and physical exercise. This will help build healthy habits and prevent children from becoming too attached to their devices. Developing Children’s Potential Through Sports and Coding Nurturing a child’s potential goes beyond just finding the best sports for children. It also involves introducing them to 21st-century skills such as coding. Balancing a healthy body with an active mind is essential in this digital age. Coding trains children to think logically, creatively, and to solve problems, while sports help them develop discipline and self-confidence. Parents can blend physical and digital activities so that children can grow optimally, both physically and mentally. Try a Free Trial Coding Class at Timedoor Academy To help your child be even more prepared for future challenges, encourage them to join a free trial coding class at Timedoor Academy. In this class, children learn coding in an interactive and creative way, guided by professional mentors. Make your child’s screen time more meaningful with educational digital activities, without neglecting the importance of finding the best sports for children. Visit our website or social media pages, Timedoor Academy, to register for a free trial coding class that can be attended online from home. Finding the best sports for children does take time, but the benefits are enormous for their future. Active support and involvement from parents is essential so children can grow up healthy, happy, and confident to face the modern world.