How to Keep Up Healthy Habits Over the Holidays

Holidays can make it difficult to focus on your health. There is so much to do in preparation for the holidays that you can get lost in it. The holidays also have their special brand of indulgent foods that are only available for a limited time. With all the stress of the holidays, keeping up with healthy habits may move to the back burner. Here are some ways to get back on track as a family: 

Healthy Eating During the Holidays

The holidays are all about indulgent meals that showcase everyone’s favorite special dishes. Eating healthy during this time is all about finding balance. Make sure you have plenty of healthy food in the house to eat when you’re not at the holiday dinner table. The more whole, clean foods you can eat before and after the holiday, the less the big day will throw you off. 

When the time comes for the big meal, encourage everyone to try a little of everything. It can be easy to overeat when you start off with large scoops of a few items, then decide to try everything else. Going back for seconds is commonplace, but if everyone holds off on eating after they’re full, they’ll be much more present and able to enjoy the occasion. 

Staying Active (Even When It’s Cold Outside)

Some of the best holiday memories happen around the fireplace and at the dinner table. These moments are important, but they should be balanced with physical activity. Weather allowing, consider taking a walk outside as a family after lunch before diving into dinner prep. Involve the whole family in meal preparation and cleanup so they stay moving throughout the day. Make sure everyone in the family is getting some exercise every day, whether it’s a short walk or a trip to the gym. 

Focusing on Spiritual Wellness 

For families of faith, wellness extends beyond the physical and mental. Remember to take time during the holiday season to check in on your family’s spiritual wellness. With everyone’s busy schedules, it might help to set aside time to pray together in the mornings or evenings. Consider small acts of kindness everyone can do throughout the day to spread the love of Jesus alongside the holiday spirit. 

Questions to Ask When Setting Goals

Getting everyone in the family on board with focusing on health during the busy holiday season may be a challenge. Consider realistic goals you can set for your family. Before making major decisions about healthy habits to work on, ask yourself the following questions:

• How can you involve everyone in the goal-setting process?

• How healthy does your family eat outside of the holidays? 

• How active are your family members now?

• What is a priority, and what can fall by the wayside if need be?

By answering these questions, you’ll be able to help your family stay on track during the holidays. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we know how important healthy habits are for children’s overall well-being. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Their Mental Health

As parents, it's important to recognize when your children might need extra support emotionally, spiritually and mentally. This starts with knowing there is a problem that needs to be addressed, which can be a delicate balance. You want to do what you can to help your child without causing them to withdraw further. Here are five signs to watch for if you’re concerned about your child’s mental health.

Withdrawing from Life

People of all ages who struggle with their mental health often don’t want to bring others down with them. This could lead to choosing not to participate in life the same way they once did. If you notice your child withdrawing from friends, family or social activities, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Consider gently asking why they are not as engaged as they were in the past. They might not know why, and that’s OK—they’ll still be glad you asked, and the conversation will get them thinking. 

Sudden Mood Changes

Children can be moody sometimes, especially as they go through puberty. However, their mood shifts generally aren’t abrupt or long-lasting unless they’re struggling. Look out for sudden changes in mood, such as frequent and uncharacteristic sadness, irritability or anger. These could be signs that something has happened to cause emotional distress. Talking to your child about these changes might help them process what is going on and move through it. 

Loss of Interest

Sometimes, children simply move on from one interest to the next. However, a general loss of interest in things that brought your child joy in the past could indicate that they are struggling. Talk to your child about what they currently enjoy, and see if it’s time for a change in scenery or a deeper discussion about their mental health. 

Eating or Sleeping Difficulties

The phrase “keeping you up at night” can be quite literal for children navigating stressful situations. If you notice a major change in your child’s sleeping or eating habits, it may be time to have a talk. Sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia could be signs that your child is having trouble getting the rest they need. Eating too much or too little is also a reliable indicator of high stress. See if you can help your child get back on track to healthier, happier days. 

Calling Out for Help

Cries for help often aren’t as direct as we’d like them to be. Your child may “joke” about feeling helpless or worthless. They may talk about giving up entirely after something that seems minor to you. If this kind of negativity becomes a habit for your child, consider addressing it. Ask why they feel that way and how you can help. They might not be open to it at first, but they could come around once they know that you’ve noticed and are willing to do what you can. 
At North Tampa Christian Academy, we know that physical, mental and spiritual health are interconnected, essential parts that contribute to our overall well-being. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Understanding the Power of Positive Reinforcement

With younger children, providing positive reinforcement has an obvious outcome: joy and gratitude. As they grow older, children tend to be less expressive about how they feel when you recognize them for a job well done. However, positive reinforcement remains important for helping your child build and maintain self-esteem. 

Positive reinforcement can take many forms, from saying encouraging words in the moment to rewarding your child for major accomplishments. Read on to learn about the power of these simple actions. 

Why Positive Reinforcement Works

Praising your child and rewarding them for hard work helps foster motivation to continue their good behavior. Over time, it helps them build resilience, so when they receive constructive feedback, they’re better able to adapt and move on. This makes them more open to new ideas and new challenges as they move through life. 

How to Provide Positive Reinforcement

Parents have the most power to affect their child’s self-esteem, so it’s important to do so in a positive way. There’s more to providing your child with positive reinforcement than saying “good job” every time they succeed. When you affirm your child, be specific and sincere. 

Statements like “I was so impressed when you held the door for that elderly woman” or “Thank you for being so kind to your brother when he was having a hard time” can go a long way. They help your child determine what they’re doing right and feel empowered to keep doing it. The same can be said for commending them on their performance at school or their leadership in clubs and teams on campus. When they truly impress you, consider rewarding them with an activity or a treat they enjoy. 

Real-World Benefits for Children

Children who receive positive reinforcement at home become more resilient in school and beyond. They build confidence and a growth mindset, feeling empowered to explore their unique gifts and talents. Positive reinforcement also helps children build on other values, like kindness and cooperation with others. Being rewarded for kindness early on can help children understand the power of their words and actions. 

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

While positive reinforcement is generally helpful, there are some mistakes parents often make, generally going too far or being too sparing. These are the most common pitfalls when it comes to positive reinforcement:

• Overpraising or using generic praise

• Focusing on results rather than effort 

• Inconsistency in providing reinforcement

You can avoid these by being mindful of the praise and rewards you are giving your child. Be specific, be consistent, and try not to overdo it. Remember, your words and actions have power—use it for good. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we work to boost every child’s confidence to help them find their genius and their place as a beloved child of God. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Digital Safety Tips: How to Keep Children Secure Online

These days, children spend more time in digital spaces than previous generations. From an early age, they are immersed in technology. The online world offers countless opportunities for learning and entertainment, but along with benefits come serious risks. Read on to explore how adults can help maximize the opportunities of the online world while creating safer digital environments for young people.

Have Open Conversations

Protecting children online often involves rules and restrictions, which children—especially older ones—may protest unless they understand the reasons behind them. Open conversations are the first step in including your child’s perspective when creating digital boundaries that work for your family. Reassure your child that your guidance comes from care, not a lack of trust. When talking with middle and high school-aged children, use age-appropriate statistics. According to one of the recent studies, 1 in 12 children worldwide becomes a victim online. Being specific about the statistics makes your argument stronger and helps them understand the reasons behind your efforts to keep them safe.   

Set Clear Boundaries for Device Use

Designate specific areas in your home where phones and tablets are allowed. For younger children, this would mean using devices only in shared family spaces and never behind closed doors. Keep an eye on how the child navigates the internet: videos, pictures, and links. Ask what they plan to do online before each session—what apps they’ll use or what they’re hoping to explore. For teens, consider setting limits like keeping phones out of bedrooms at night. Whenever possible, model these boundaries yourself to reinforce their importance by example. 

Introduce Digital Literacy from a Young Age

Help children build healthy digital habits early. As they begin engaging in online communication—whether through games, messaging apps, or social media—teach them not to share personal information, photos, or videos, especially in public forums. Remind them that once something is posted, it can remain on the internet permanently. It is equally important to talk about body safety and personal boundaries. Teach them to say “no” to any request that feels uncomfortable, online or offline. Make it clear that no one should ever ask them for pictures of their bodies, and if this happens, they should come to a trusted adult immediately.

Use Privacy Settings and Parental Controls

Adjust privacy settings and enable parental controls on games, apps, social media platforms, and devices. These tools help filter content, manage screen time, and limit interactions with strangers, adding an extra layer of protection. You will also know what apps they are downloading. Just as important, explain to your child what settings you’re adjusting and why. When children understand that your actions are meant to keep them safe—not control them—they’re more likely to cooperate and trust you. 

The digital world offers many opportunities for inquiring minds to be creative and innovative, which are our core values at North Tampa Christian Academy. As a private school serving Tampa families, we take seriously our responsibility to guide students toward academic excellence and success while fostering safe and responsible use of technology. Contact us to learn how we help students thrive in today’s digital age.

Fun Outdoor Learning Activities for Summer Break

Florida heats up in the summer, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. The outdoors offers endless opportunities for the whole family to have fun, explore, and learn something new. With sunshine, diverse ecosystems, and plenty of space to roam, Florida offers plenty of opportunities to spark curiosity and creativity. Explore these exciting ways to get outside and make summer break both fun and educational. 

Explore Local Springs 

Florida has over 1,000 freshwater springs — and no two are exactly alike. If you're in Central Florida, you won't have to travel far to find one. From west to east, springs are scattered across the region, offering cool relief from the summer heat. Some springs feel like natural swimming pools, while others, like Kelly Park Rock Springs in Apopka, flow like lazy rivers where you can float down for hours. 

Turn your visit into a fun learning experience, too. Before you go, take a moment to explore the history or unique features of the spring you’re visiting. For example, the waters of De Leon Springs once powered a mill that turned corn into flour during the Civil War. If you visit these springs, remember to get there hungry! There is an Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, located in a 100-year-old replica of the original 1830s sugar mill, where you can cook your own pancakes on the griddle. 

Nature Scavenger Hunt 

Getting outside is even more exciting when there’s a mission! A nature scavenger hunt turns any walk, hike, or park visit into an adventure. Before you go, print out a simple checklist of things to find, like different leaves, insects, feathers, or flowers. Children can cross off each item as they spot it, practicing observation skills while exploring the natural world around them. You can easily tailor the list to Florida’s unique plants and animals, making it a fun and educational challenge for the whole family.

Dive-In Movie Nights  

What’s better than cooling off in the pool on a summer evening? Watching a movie while you float! Dive-in movie nights combine two of the best parts of summer — swimming and outdoor movies. Check your local community pools to see if they’re hosting any this season. Want to bring the fun home? It’s easy to set up your own dive-in theater with a floating screen, some tubes, and a favorite family film. It’s a memorable way to enjoy warm nights, cool water, and good company.

Simulate Ancient Living

Step away from screens and into the past with a creative, hands-on history day the whole family can enjoy. Build a simple shelter together using branches, blankets, or anything on hand. Try writing symbols with charcoal or chalk, imagining what early communication might have looked like. Talk about how people used to start fires, find food, and live without modern tools, and see what you can recreate safely at home. 

For a full experience, have a backyard prehistoric campout. Cook over a fire pit, or just toast marshmallows, tell stories under the stars, and enjoy some low-tech time together. It’s a fun and memorable way to connect with nature and each other.

Make A Mess with Fun Experiments 

Summer is the perfect time for both children and adults to get a little messy and learn something new. Outdoor experiments are a great way to explore science in a hands-on, low-stress way, especially when cleanup is as easy as hosing everything down. 

For example, try a classic like elephant toothpaste, where a bubbly reaction of hydrogen peroxide, yeast, and dish soap creates a giant, foamy eruption. It’s colorful, exciting, and packed with amusement. Whether you're measuring ingredients together or just watching it ooze, it’s a great way to turn curiosity into action. 

Beach Days? Try Building Like Ancient Egyptians 

When sandcastles start to feel a little too boring, challenge older children to think like ancient engineers. Bring along some rope and pegs, or sticks and strings, and experiment with forming perfect shapes in the sand using only simple tools. Experiment with building right angles using the 3-4-5 triangle method to create right angles, just like the Egyptians used to plan out temples and pyramids. It’s hands-on and surprisingly fun— a perfect blend of history, geometry, and sun-soaked creativity. The beach provides the perfect blank canvas for creativity and learning.  

Learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings for summer. Whether you're exploring nature or experimenting with science outdoors, these activities reflect the same values we stand by at North Tampa Christian Academy. Our private school provides an immersive on-campus experience that encourages innovation through project-based learning and an engaging thematic structure. We empower students to explore, question, and create year-round. If you’re looking for a private school near Tampa, contact us to learn more.