Archive for the ‘Food for Thought’ Category

How to Encourage Reading in Children

Friday, February 19th, 2010

How do you know what types of books to choose for your baby or toddler? What can you do to encourage and foster a love of reading? (more…)

Tags: , ,
Posted in Communication, Food for Thought, General Info | No Comments »

The Importance of Storytime

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Most babies and toddlers love books. They are often funny, bright and colourful, with loveable characters. But there are many reasons to read books that are less obvious. Take advantage of these less obvious reasons for reading to them. (more…)

Tags: ,
Posted in Child Development, Communication, Food for Thought | No Comments »

Best Secrets to Getting and Staying Organised

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Each area of your home provides you with a unique form of comfort. Comfort and clutter cannot co-exist. Clutter and mess only serves to bring unbalance and will dampen any good spirit. It stands to reason that, give up the clutter and bring in the peace of mind. (more…)

Tags: ,
Posted in Food for Thought | No Comments »

Say Good-bye to Clutter

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

 Anyone who knows me, knows how much I hate an untidy, cluttered home. Infact I can be quite obsessed so much so that my husband often remarks on how I like our home to look like a “showhome”. Yes, I’ll admit, it gives me a sense of calm and pleasure when everything is in it’s place and all is neat and clean… (more…)

Tags: ,
Posted in Food for Thought | No Comments »

Start the New Year Organised!

Monday, January 18th, 2010

 A good balance of your time is needed for work, goals, recreation, and relaxation. Take a close look at your daily routine, examine your findings and come up with a plan. Be prepared to follow your plan and with this, you can become better organized. (more…)

Tags: ,
Posted in Activities for Toddlers, Food for Thought | No Comments »

Halloween Safety Tips

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Good ideas fromAmazingMoms.com – to which we have added our own points.

Combine dressing up in costumes with free candy and you create a kid friendly holiday! Although Halloween is a favorite holiday for children it does come with it’s own unique dangers that all parents and caregivers should be mindful of. With a few basic safety measures your family can have a fun and safe celebration!


Make Halloween Costumes SAFE to wear

  • To ensure a safe Halloween, first plan your child’s costume wisely. From masks to footwear all parts should be considered for comfort and safety.
  • All Halloween costumes and accessories should be flame resistant – masks, capes, wigs, beards and hats.
  • Whenever possible try to avoid masks for children. Obstructed vision can easily lead to accidents. Make up is safer and more comfortable.
  • However, if you choose to use a mask or child is begging for one … they should be made with soft, comfortable material and allow for a full field of vision. Don’t ever use a plastic bag, even with large holes. A brown paper bag with big eye holes works very well..
  • It’s really best to wear sneakers for trick-or-treating – they are comfortable and safe.
  • Swords, knives, wands, etc. should have no sharp edges or points and preferably made with foam or cardboard.

Halloween Fairy Princess

Safe Halloween Sweets

  • Children should be taught never to eat the candy they’ve received until you have carefully inspected it .
  • It’s best to throw away unwrapped candy, homemade items of unknown origin.
  • Keep small candies from children under the age of five, it is a choking hazard.
  • Don’t use nuts in any of the Trick or Treat give aways – you never know which child is allergic.


Injuries and Accidents at Halloween

  • When participating in the frenzied quest for candy kids can get injured.
  • Make sure your child’s costume is the correct length to avoid tripping.
  • Not only will a flashlight let drivers see your child but it will improve your child’s visibility.
  • Walk on sidewalks, walkways, driveways and well lit streets only.
  • Attach a few strips of reflective tape to costumes.
  • Write your child’s name and your full contact details on a card or piece of paper and secure with a safety pin inside her pocket.
  • If you have lighted candles around your home, make sure that they are well out of reach of little hands and on a solid, sturdy surface that cannot get bumped over.


The ever present “Stranger Danger”

Abduction is an ugly reality, but as parents we must take precautions to ensure the safety of our children.

  • Never ever let a child trick-or-treat alone. Adults or much older children should always be supervising.
  • Make sure that your child knows what to do if they become separated from the group.
  • Make a rule that the children are only allowed to go to the homes of neighbours that you know.


Happy Trick or Treating!!!

Tags:
Posted in Food for Thought, Special Events | No Comments »