Archive for the ‘Summer’ Category
Thursday, September 1st, 2011
- Assemble a travel kit in a small, easy-to-grab bag—this can make unexpected situations like emergent dashes to the rest stop or airplane bathroom, and other daunting places, that much easier to deal with. Include items like potty seat covers, a small pack of wipes, small trash bag, mini first aid kit, child-friendly hand sanitizer, mini coloring book and a few crayons and some age-appropriate snacks.
- If traveling by car, leave room in your itinerary for “zoomie” breaks. It can be difficult for a young child (and parents, too!) to sit in a car for hours on end. Take a 15-minute break now and then at a family-friendly rest stop or park to stretch, run off a little energy or make silly noises.
- Try to maintain some likeness to your child’s typical schedule. A child with a general sense of what to expect and when is generally a happier child!
Tags: Preschool, Summer, Summer travel, Toddlers, Travel
Posted in Family, Summer, Tips | No Comments »
Although it may feel like summer has only just begun, soon enough you’ll be sending your little one back to school. During the lazy, hazy days of summer, routines may have become a bit lax. Below are some helpful tips to establish a daily school day routine.
- Set a school-night bedtime. The entire family will probably need to start waking up earlier than usual once school begins, so set an earlier time for you and your child to hit the sack each night. This will ensure you all get the proper amount of rest needed to tackle the busy morning routine and be bright and alert for the school/work day.
- Prepare the night before. Pack lunches, backpacks and choose clothes for the next day the night before. Check notes from the school/teacher to make sure your child has everything they need for school the next day. Find a location near the door to set shoes, backpacks and other school necessities so everything is ready to go when you leave the house in the morning.
- Create your own “Have a great day!” signal. Involve your child in developing a special way for the two of you to say good-bye to each other when you drop them off at school in the morning. It could be a funny handshake, secret phrase or even just a wink and smile. Only the two of you will know you really mean, “Have a great day! I love you.”
- Allow unwind time. Set aside some time to allow your child to unwind at the end of the day. Children need this, especially during the first few weeks of getting into the back-to-school routine. The change in schedule can be overwhelming, so having some time to relax or play quietly when they get home from school can be beneficial.
- Recap the day together. Whether around the dinner table or during one-on-one time with your little one each evening, ask them about their day and share yours with them. You’ll both benefit from the special time together to listen and share.
Tags: Back to School Routine, Preventing Summer Learning Losses, Summer routine
Posted in School, Summer | No Comments »
When it’s just too hot (or rainy) to go outdoors, consider creating your own indoor oasis for a day filled with summer fun!
Start by creating a space in your living room or play room that can be used as the “beach.” Have your child wear their best beach outfit, complete with flip flops and sunglasses, and lay beach towels on the floor. If you have beach balls or other beach-related decorations, bring them out to add to the fun.
During their day at the “beach,” encourage your child to use their imagination to pretend they’re swimming, surfing in the waves, or the lifeguard watching over all the swimmers. Read your child’s favorite beach-related books together, eat lunch picnic-style on your beach towels, play a game of beach ball catch and even take a nap on the “beach.”
Tags: Indoor activities, Playing with your child, Summer
Posted in Activities, Learning through Play, Summer | No Comments »
Thursday, June 30th, 2011
Children can create their own festive firework display with this fun craft project!
What you need:
- Bright colored water-based paint
- Dark construction paper (blue or black to simulate the night sky)
- Drinking straws
- Newspaper (or a drop cloth)
- Paintbrush or dropper
- Small bowls (for mixing the paint and water)
- Water
Ready, Set, Blow!
- Protect your work surface with newspaper or a drop cloth.
- Give each child a piece of construction paper.
- Add a few drops of paint and a few drops of water to each bowl and mix to thin out the paint.
- Using a paintbrush or dropper, place a drop of the paint mixture on the paper.
- Holding a straw a few inches above the paper, each child should blow through the straw to move the paint around to create a “firework.”
- Repeat around to fill the paper with different colors until it resembles a sky full of fireworks!
Tags: Art, Children, Craft, Fireworks, Fourth of July, Paint
Posted in Activities, Art, Summer | No Comments »
These days, many airlines still allow children under the age of two to travel on their parent’s lap. But, did you know that the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) recommends otherwise?
The FAA says that “the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap” and “strongly urges parents and guardians to secure children in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size. Keeping a child in a CRS or device during the flight is the smart and right thing to do.”
Tags: Safety, Summer travel, Toddlers, Travel
Posted in Safety, Summer, Tips | No Comments »
Homemade frozen treats are a great way to beat the heat this summer. Here are a few simple treats you and your child can make together to cool down on the hottest of summer days.
- Frozen Fruit Pops: Use frozen berries and/or fresh fruit and experiment with different combinations. Blend your fruit of choice in a blender with a bit of all-natural fruit juice and pour into ice cube trays. After the cubes have set up for a few minutes, insert Popsicle sticks into each one and freeze completely. When ready, pop them out one by one and enjoy!
- “Ice Cream” Sandwiches: Spread a bit of sugar free Cool Whip on a graham cracker and top with another graham cracker. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. When completely frozen, unwrap and savor your tasty “ice cream” sandwich creation!
- Frozen Bananas: Peel a banana and cut it into two pieces. Insert a Popsicle stick in the flat end of each piece of banana. Use a butter knife or spatula to cover the banana with your choice of peanut, soy or sunflower butter; honey or chocolate syrup and roll in granola, whole grain cereal or chopped nuts. Place the bananas on a tray covered with parchment paper and freeze. Children will “go bananas” for this fun frozen treat!
Tags: Food & nutrition, Frozen Treats, Heat, Outdoor play, Summer
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Whether traveling via plane, train or car, the following here are some traveling tips for your next family vacation:
INFANT TO ONE YEAR
- Plan for an active stretch. A rest stop break or a playground – let them walk or toddle for twenty or so minutes before climbing back in the car.
- Bring music, mobiles, bubbles and books.
- Pre-measure formula into bottles and carry a room temperature bottle of water to mix on the go.
- Be prepared for a mess – snacks, diapers, spit-up, etc. – small trash bag, wipes, hand sanitizer (for the adults), spare water, tissues, bib and a blanket.
- Even if you are traveling by plane, a car seat can double as a feeding chair or nap location. Call ahead for a crib to be added to your hotel room.
- Be prepared and do not overload yourself. If time allows, buy what you can when you get to your destination.
FIRST STEPS (12-18 MONTHS)
- Many of the Infant travel tips apply here.
- Use “links” to keep toys within your child’s reach.
- Even in the cool weather, crack a window for fresh air. Stale air may make your little one grumpy. Remove heavy jackets and shoes for comfort.
- Bring music, books, stuffed animal, play mirror and foam shapes that will “stick” to the car seat. In an airplane – bring/purchase headphones for music and rest it on your child’s shoulders instead of over their ears.
- Have some active playtime just before leaving and plan for frequent stops. In an airplane, let children walk down the aisle periodically at their own pace.
- Airports can be a bustling place. This may be the one time you check your luggage at the curb. This way you can focus on your little one’s needs without the hassle of luggage in tow.
TODDLER AND GET SET (18-36 MONTHS)
- Many of the First Steps travel tips apply here.
- Play window games – count the silos, trucks or red lights.
- Attach a mirror to the front passenger visor so you can see and interact with your toddler without having to spin around.
- Buckle up a toy bin right next to the children so they can help themselves – books, links, stuffed animals and puppets.
- Have your child help you pack a picnic lunch or snack and then serve it to everyone.
- A blanket can make a quick play space in any lobby, airport, etc.
PRESCHOOL TO PRE-K (36 MONTHS +)
- ‘I Spy’ a blue car, a white truck and other objects you can see while moving.
- Laptop desk for drawing with paper and crayons.
- Car-Ride Checklist – make a picture itinerary of landmarks you will see along the way.
- Ask your child to keep score – gas prices, mileage or count out toll money.
- Play “I’m thinking of an animal.” Provide age-appropriate hints to help your child guess a particular animal.
- If you’re using a hotel babysitter: 1– Check the sitter’s credentials, including criminal and/or child abuse clearances. 2 – Check the room and the equipment in the room. 3 – Carry your phone and check your phone service when you arrive at your destination.
Tags: Family vacation, Infant, Preschool, Summer travel, Toddler, Travel
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Planning a child-friendly mini vacation can be a difficult task; you will want to choose a destination that will be memorable, safe and fun. With young and energetic children, families should choose destinations that offer a wide array of activities. Comprehensive research, via the Internet or your local travel agent, is integral to a safe and smart mini vacation for your family. Consider the following tips when arranging your next family trip:
Zoo or Aquarium
Zoos and aquariums introduce children to thousands of new animals and species. The majority of zoos and aquariums use creative ways to involve young children in what is usually considered a ‘look-but-don’t-touch’ environment.
- Opportunities to pet and feed the animals will allow your child to explore and discover in a hands-on way. Children may or may not recall something that is told to them, but if you allow them to do it and touch it, it will make a lasting impression.
- Make sure the zoo or aquarium offers educational programs that target young children.
- Ensure that the zoo or aquarium has a strong commitment to safety, including several first aid stations and ample security.
- Visit the zoo or aquarium Web site before finalizing your trip to make sure that it will be an appropriate fit for your young child.
- If your child is a journal writer, encourage them to journal their experiences and feelings.
TIP Read a book about animals/aquatic life with your child before your zoo or aquarium visit – this helps build excitement about the upcoming trip. Providing children with a little background regarding animals they may experience may produce a higher probability of knowledge and experiential retention.
Beach or Lake
If you are near a beach or lake, make it a day! Children love to explore sand and water–let them play in it!
- Bring a plastic magnifying glass so your little trekker can become a geologist, analyzing the sand and shells.
- If the beach you are planning to visit has a bay area, or if you are visiting a lake, rent a canoe for an afternoon and take your child for an aquatic adventure. This is a great opportunity to teach your child the importance of water safety and aquatic life – always wear life jackets.
- It is imperative to re-apply your child’s sunscreen every two hours. Shade your child from extra rays and use an umbrella and hats.
- Maintain eye contact on your child at all times, regardless of the presence of lifeguards.
- Consider painting your seashell treasures when you get home. These personalized memories are wonderful gifts for grandparents, aunts and uncles.
TIP Bring a large make-up or powder brush (with talc) for an easy, pain-free way to remove sand before sunscreen application or at the end of the day.
Museum
Museums are a great attraction for family trips. Children’s museums focus on learning through play, where children are encouraged to explore with their senses.
- Museums generally allow your little explorers to participate in activities such as working with fossils, climbing tree houses and even performing on a TV set or an opera house stage.
- Exploration centers, imagination factories, sensory stations and education-based play spaces are common attributes in many museums. Even your infant will enjoy learning.
- If it looks like a mini-supermarket, understand that to your toddler or preschooler it is a supermarket. Allow you little one to explore this environment as if it was a ‘research and development’ project.
- Does your museum display art? If it does, ask your child open-ended questions: What do you see? What colors did the artist use? How would you change this painting/sculpture?
- After your museum adventure, take a few moments with your child and draw or sculpt (with dough or clay) a memory.
TIP Allow your child to explore every facet of the museum. The museum’s design is based upon research in child development; even the ‘silliest’ activity may improve a developmental skill.
Tags: Family vacation, Mini vacation, Play and learning, Stay-cation, Summer travel, Travel
Posted in Activities, Family, Learning through Play, Summer | No Comments »
Monday, September 20th, 2010
Most parents count on summer itself to promote physical activity and raise-your-pulse exercise. The longer, warmer days beckon us and our kids outside and things just seem to happen. But then it’s back to school, logistics take over and couch potatoes (in both generations) often re-appear. It’s worth thinking about this transition now because now is when it’s happening. Many of us hit upon the idea of the logistical solution – find a class, join a team – if it’s in the schedule, it’s more likely to happen. And as we – and the preschools and kindergartens to which we send our children – all know, regular exercise is a very good idea. The old myths that young children are inherently sufficiently active, or that too much activity can harm the growing body – tales I heard from my grandmother – have been replaced with growing concern about shocking obesity levels in young children due to passive daily lives and unwise nutritional patterns. We know that there are short and long-term physical and mental benefits to regular exercise and that there are no short cuts to those benefits.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following for preschools:
- An indoor play space should be available to allow sufficient running
- Outdoor play should be scheduled twice a day
- An outdoor play space should offer fixed and portable play equipment and a paved surface for wheeled toys
- Active play time should never be withheld as punishment.
**Note to parents: are you sending your child off with the right clothing for such activities? This is a surprisingly frequent concern among teachers.
As for those scheduled team and class activities, keep a few things in mind. Preschoolers are not ready for competition. They won’t really understand winning vs. losing, ‘doing your best,’ ‘give the other kid a chance’ until they are in fourth grade. What they need now is for you to support the skills they are developing: running, chasing or hitting a ball, enjoying the water or snow and just beginning to understand that there is something called a ‘game’ or a ‘sport.’
But children learn better from what they see and experience, than from what they are told. So – as a family – keep fitness activity as a year-round habit.
- Visit your playgrounds regularly and make it fun. Bring along some extra things like large balls, kites, ropes for jumping and (supervised!) tug-of-war. You can enrich the time by making an obstacle course (enjoyed by any child who can walk) through the playground and see who can remember it or finish it fastest.
- Many families treasure weekly family walks. It generally takes some humoring for the more balky ones, but scavenger items usually work for our children.
- When weather interferes, get out the large balls, exercise mats and Twister® games, or download some stretching and balancing exercises (to do together) from family fitness websites. Remember; keep your children away from exercise equipment for safety reasons.
Tags: Childhood obesity, Fitness, Fitness and children, Summer
Posted in Dr. Kyle Pruett, Fitness, Summer | No Comments »
During the summer months, it is important to verify bike readiness by running through this checklist to ensure your children’s safety.
- Make sure their helmet still fits properly. If the helmet is too small or has previously been involved in a crash or has been damaged, replace it.
- Clean off all the dust on the bike and check for loose parts, this includes the seat and handlebars.
- Check and inflate the tires. Also, check for tire wear and dry rot.
- Adjust the seat. Your children have grown since the last time they rode their bikes. When seated on the bike, your child should be able to stand on the balls of both feet.
- Check the handlebars. They should be easy to grasp without leaning forward.
- Make sure the brakes are working properly and there is no wear.
- Buy the appropriate sized bike. Never buy a bike that your child will “grow into.”
Bike Helmet Safety
Many children do not like wearing helmets because they fear they are “uncool.” Because of this, it is important to have your children start wearing a helmet with their first tricycles or play vehicles to get them in the habit. Let your children know you expect them to wear a helmet every time they ride. Be a role model and wear a helmet when you ride your bike; your children are more likely to wear a helmet if they see you demonstrating good safety.
Allowing your children to choose their own helmet will increase the probability that they will want to wear it. Make sure when purchasing a new helmet that it is the correct size. Never buy a helmet that your child will “grow into.”
- The helmet should sit level on your child’s head. It should be low on the forehead, about one or two finger widths above their eyebrows.
- Adjust the straps so they meet in a “V” right under each ear.
- Adjust the chinstrap snugly under the chin so that no more than one or two fingers fit under the strap. Keep the helmet tight enough so the helmet pulls down when you child opens his or her mouth.
- Always make sure helmet straps are buckled when your child is riding.
Tags: Bike Readiness, Fitness and children, Helmet Safety, Outdoor play, Safety, Summer
Posted in Activities, Fitness, Summer | No Comments »
