A Big-Kid Bed for Your Toddler

Parents struggle to figure out the right time to move their toddler from a crib to a big kid bed. Toddlers struggle with how to deal with this new freedom. We found some advice to make the tradition easier for everyone. Click here to read the article.




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Making Halloween Less Scary

You probably never think of it as a parent but Halloween can be a scary for some kids. In fact, it can be downright frightening. Skeletons, mummies, bats, and vampires can really take the fun out this great tradition and stop your child from participating in trick or treating and other events.

Try to take the fright out of this Halloween night with some of these quick tips:

• If you feel that your child is developing fear about the scary parts of Halloween, talk to them about it. Explain that other kids are in those costumes. Maybe even have a sibling dress up ahead of time to show them what’s underneath the scary costumes and faces.

• Let your child choose their own costume. Make sure that it is appropriate for their age. Try choosing a costume that is not scary or only a little scary, like a pirate or ghost. Make sure your child is comfortable in their costume.

• Avoid the haunted mansions or hayride. Enjoy the traditional non-scary Halloween events such as fall fairs, pumpkin patch, or hayride instead. Also, consider trick or treating during the daytime. Many malls have daytime events for the smaller children.

You can’t always protect your child from scary and gory decorations, but you can try to minimize exposure to them. Talk through your child’s fears so they feel comfortable and can enjoy the season!


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First Sleepover

This is a true sign that your child is growing up. When your child is ready for their first sleepover it is certainly a milestone. But it can also be an anxious time for both you and your child. Here are a few tips to take the anxiety out of a sleepover.

* Make sure your child knows the family they will be spending the night with pretty well. The best situation would be for your child to have several play dates and maybe even a meal with the family prior to sleeping over. This will help acclimate your child to the particular habits of the family they are staying with. 

* Make sure that you feel comfortable with the family that will be hosting the sleepover. If your child knows that you are uncomfortable, they might sense your discomfort. This can lead to your child feeling uncomfortable. 

* Set expectations with your child for what a sleepover will be like. Tell them what activities they will do and how much fun they will have.
* Pack some of your children’s favorite items to take with them. This will remind them of home and comfort them.

* Anticipate the midnight call. Don’t be disappointed if your child calls and wants to come home. This is not a failure on their or your part. Take some time and try again once you feel they are ready.

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Win the Bedtime Battles

With school starting soon and the relaxed summer schedule coming to an end, it may mean bedtime battles in your household. Parenthood.com offers advice on taking the stress out of the bedtime battles. Click here to read the article.


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Getting Toddlers to Help Around the House

One of the most common complaints from parents with toddlers is that their toddlers don’t clean up. With their curious minds and nonstop energy, toddlers are into everything. By the end of the day your house looks like 50 kids had a play date instead of just one. However, there is some good news, toddlers can learn at an early age to pick up after themselves and even have a little fun while doing it. The earlier they start cleaning up and helping around the house, good cleaning habits will grow as your little one gets older.

One of the most important habits is to have a routine for cleaning up.

Try giving them a 5-minute warning that clean up time is coming. Have a verbal cue to let your child know that it is clean up time. A favorite one used by teachers is the clean up song, you can make up one on your own or use the old time favorite. Singing will help pass the time while your child is picking everything up and putting it away.

To make things even easier for your child, get your child’s things organized. It makes it much more fun when your little one knows where everything goes. One of the best ways to do this is to purchase some inexpensive bins and label them.Try taking a picture of the toys that belongs in the bin and place it on the outside so all your child has to do is to match the toy to the picture. If you have older children, place a card with the name of the toy written on it. This will help with their reading skills.

Remember to keep a positive attitude. Your little one may not get all the toys back where they should go, but they did clean up, so offer them positive encouragement for even the littlest effort. Your toddler will be so pleased with their accomplishment.



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The Importance of Sleep and School

Experts say children ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night. Studies also show that most kids are getting about an hour less sleep each night than they did 30 years ago.

Children have a lot more distractions than they did 30 years ago including more activities, homework, TV and video games. It’s easy to understand how today’s kids have a hard time winding down at night. You might be wondering if your child is getting enough sleep. Well, here are some signs that they might need more:

Behavior Changes – when your child doesn't get enough sleep it can become difficult for them to control their emotions. This can result in emotional outburst, grumpiness and poor behavior.


Attention Issues – if your child is normally a good listener but they begin having difficulty following detailed instructions or maintaining focus during activities, this could be a sign of a lack of sleep.


Memory Loss – sleep is like a reset button for your child. During sleep, everything learned during the day is committed to memory and the brain is prepared to absorb more information the next day. If your child shows a change in remembering directions or information this could be a sign of not getting enough sleep.


What can you do to help your child get more sleep?

Establish a bedtime routine for your child and stick to it. Make sure your child get’s to bed around the same time every night.



Give your child time to unwind. Turn off the TV, video games and eliminate distractions 15 to 20 minutes before bedtime.

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Top 10 Outdoor Winter Activities

 

As the cold temperatures begin to take hold over the region, it signifies the official start of winter.  FamilyEducation.com suggests 10 fun outdoor activities for the family. Remember that winter temperatures and winter sports require special safety equipment and clothing. Be active and safe this winter! Click here to read the article.

For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website : http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW

Fun Things To Do With Kids Over Holiday Break

With the kids home from school this week parents will be looking for activities to do with the kids.
Here a few ideas:

Cooking– Involve your child in the holiday cooking. Under supervision, letting them help you in the kitchen can be a great learning experience. Reinforce counting and measuring as they help you measure the ingredients. Let them help pour the ingredients in a bowl to practice coordination and fine motor skills.

Science Experiments – You can do some really interesting home science experiments with household items. Teach them about static electricity by rubbing your feet on the carpet and touching each other to see if a static shock develops. Mix some baking soda, vinegar and raisins and see if you can get raisins to dance. Education.com has some interesting science experiments you can do at home. Just use your best judgment to determine what’s safe for you and your child.

Pen Pals– Teach your child how to send a good old fashioned letter. Let them create their own holiday cards and send them to relatives or even classmates. Your child’s friends will be excited to get mail and your child will have fun creating their own holiday cards. It will just cost you some stamps.

The holidays are a special time for children. Take the time off to slow down, spend quality time with the family and enjoy the special moments.

For more information on please visit our website : http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW

A Big-Kid Bed for Your Toddler

Parents struggle to figure out the right time to move their toddler from a crib to a big kid bed. Toddlers struggle with how to deal with this new freedom the article below offers some advice to make the tradition easier for everyone. Click here to read the article.

For more information on Goddard please visit our website : http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW

8 Great Sick-Day Activities

When your child is home from school because they are not feeling well, you may struggle with ways to keep them entertained while the get better.  Scholastic.com offers 8 great sick day activites. From reading stories together to doing a simple craft.  Click here to read the article. 

A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Selecting a Tree for the Holiday

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.

Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on unattended

Holiday Decorations

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace

It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.

Artificial Christmas Trees

If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Avoid Using Lit Candles

If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree

Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

Source: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/holiday.shtm

Car Seat Safety

With so much information about car seat safety many parents wonder and worry if they are keeping their child as safe as they should be. Below are guidelines set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).

* Select a car seat based on your child's age, height, and weight.

* Keep your child in a car seat for the maximum age, as long as your child

fits the seat's height and weight requirements.

* All children under 13 should ride in the back seat.

Birth – 12 months

Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat.

There are different types of rear-facing car seats: Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1 car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.

1 – 3 years

Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

4 – 7 years

Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.

8 – 12 years

Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember: your child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer there.

Many local stores and organizations offer safety checks were certified technicians are available to check your car seat installation for free. Click HERE to find your nearest inspection station.



Source: http://www.nhtsa.gov/

Dealing with Bullies

Schools, the press, and society are starting to improve our countries response to bullying. But, bullying still occurs every day.  As parents and guardians, we want to protect our little ones but we cannot be there all the time. What steps can you take to help prepare your child to deal with bullies? Here are a few tips:

• Tell your child to avoid the bully as much as possible. Stay away from him/her on the playground.
• Have your child practice standing and walking with confidence. Bullies usually pick on people who are smaller and physically weaker than they are, or who they feel will not retaliate
• Don't let a bully make your child feel bad. Teach your child that when someone says something bad about them to think about something positive about yourself.
• Don't reward the bully with tears. The bully wants to hurt your feelings, so act like his name-calling and taunts don't hurt.
• Teach your child to use humor when dealing with a bully. Throwing a joke back at a bullies taunting, can help diffuse the situation.
• Most importantly, make sure your child is comfortable keeping the lines of communication open with you.

If you think the bullying has gotten out of control, contact your child’s school for help. 

7 Ways to Keep Cool with Preschoolers

Your child may be well adjusted and easy going in school, but when you bring them home after a long day of school, the transition may not be so easy.  We found 7 tips to help you and your child to have a smooth transition between school and home.  Click here to read the tips

Storytime Strategies to Boost Early Literacy

We found 7 storytime strategies you can uses when reading to your little one to help boost their early literacy. By sneaking in some of these strategies you can help to build literacy in your toddler. Click here to read the article.

6 Brain-Boosting Playground Games for Kids

With the warmer weather hopefully arriving soon, the kids will be on the playground much more.  You can turn a trip to the playground into exercise for their brain.  Education.com offers 6 brain boosting playground games to play with the kids.  Click here to read the article.

Fun Things To Do With Kids Over Holiday Break

With the kids home from school next week parents will be looking for activities to do with the kids.
Here a few ideas:

Cooking– Involve your child in the holiday cooking. Under supervision, letting them help you in the kitchen can be a great learning experience. Reinforce counting and measuring as they help you measure the ingredients. Let them help pour the ingredients in a bowl to practice coordination and fine motor skills.

Science Experiments – You can do some really interesting home science experiments with household items. Teach them about static electricity by rubbing your feet on the carpet and touching each other to see if a static shock develops. Mix some baking soda, vinegar and raisins and see if you can get raisins to dance. Education.com has some interesting science experiments you can do at home. Just use your best judgment to determine what’s safe for you and your child.

Pen Pals– Teach your child how to send a good old fashioned letter. Let them create their own holiday cards and send them to relatives or even classmates. Your child’s friends will be excited to get mail and your child will have fun creating their own holiday cards. It will just cost you some stamps.

The holidays are a specialtime for children. Take the time off to slow down, spend quality time with the family and enjoy the special moments.

Picking out books for Preschoolers

Parents and caregivers wonder what types of books are best for young children. Today we are going to give you some tips to consider when picking out appropriate books for your child.

• Preschoolers love a good storyline. Books with a simple storyline are great. You can even buy a longer chapter book and read one chapter at a time. Your child will anticipate how the story will develop each night.

• Stories about characters and objects tend to hold the attention of a preschooler. Books about superhero, fairytale, television or comic book characters are great for preschoolers.

• Let your child express their imagination. Let them make up a story to go with a picture book or photo album. This can be a fun way to get your child interested in books. 

• Find books with subjects that match your child’s interests like trucks, baseball, and dance. You can also choose books about characters they may experience in everyday life like doctors, firefighters, or police officers. 

Good reading habits can make a big difference in developing your child’s love for learning. Any time you can spare to spend reading with your child is an investment in their future.

8 Ways Kids Can Give Thanks

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, we can take some time to think of what we are thankful for. Parents.com offers 8 ways to help our children to be thankful without the guilt trip. Click here to read the tips. 

Managing Your High-Energy Kid

Kids are full of energy, sometimes we all wish we could have just a little of their energy.  As parents/guardians we need to find ways to help our kids kids stay occupied and happy.  Parents.com offers some great advice on how to do this.  Click here to read the whole article.