5 Summer Learning Activities Your Kids Will Love

Summer is a beautiful time for kids as they get a break from their studies and enjoy the warm weather. However, as a parent, you may be worried about their academic progress. The good news is that summer learning doesn’t have to be tedious. There are many fun activities that you can incorporate into your kids’ summer routine that is both enjoyable and educational. Here are five educational activities to incorporate into your children’s summer break.

Gardening:

Gardening is an excellent way to teach your kids about science, nature, and healthy eating. Allow them to plant their vegetable garden and learn about the different stages of plant growth. They can also learn about different soil types, insects, and pests. Plus, the satisfaction they will get from harvesting their crops and using them for meals will make this activity a hit!

Museum Visits:

Summer is the perfect time to visit museums, which can be fun and educational for kids. Many museums offer summer programs for kids to learn about art, science, history, and culture. Visiting museums can help your children improve their critical thinking and analytical skills and will also teach them about the world around them.

Outdoor Science Experiments:

Engage your kids in fun summer experiments that teach them about science. They can explore the physics of water, learn about soil properties, or build rockets with science kits. They can also learn about solar energy, the earth’s rotation, and acidity levels in different substances. These experiments will not only educate your child but also help stimulate their curiosity.

Reading and Writing:

Encourage your kids to maintain their reading and writing skills with fun activities such as book clubs and journaling. With book clubs, your child can choose the books they want to read and discuss them with their peers. Journaling helps with writing skills and also serves as a way for your child to express themselves creatively.

Cooking:

Cooking can be a fun and educational activity for kids. They can learn about measurements, ingredients, and how to follow instructions. Use this to teach them about the different food groups and the importance of a balanced diet. Plus, the sense of accomplishment they’ll feel from serving up a delicious meal will boost their confidence.

Summer learning doesn’t have to be dull and dry. Incorporate these fun activities into your kids’ summer routine; they will be eager to learn while having a good time. With these engaging activities, your child can build upon their skills and knowledge, gain new perspectives, and develop a lifelong love for learning. Happy Summer Learning!

Keeping Engaged with Your Child’s Schoolwork After Class

As a parent, finding ways to remain involved in your child’s learning after school hours can be challenging. With online classes and virtual classrooms, it can feel like much of the day is spent in front of a computer or phone. But there are plenty of creative solutions to stay engaged with your child’s learning journey and help them stay focused on their academic goals. Here are some tips for staying connected with your child’s schoolwork after class.

 

Create a Schedule: Establishing routines and deadlines can help keep you and your child on track regarding schoolwork. Set aside specific days or times for homework sessions and provide breaks throughout the day to give everyone time to relax. Having a schedule and sticking with it will help create structure in what otherwise could be an unstructured environment.

 

Provide Resources: Every student has different needs when it comes to learning, so make sure you have access to the right resources at home that will support your education. This could include textbooks, online materials, apps, or even tutoring services if needed. Please make sure these resources are available for your kids whenever they need them; this will help them develop good habits around studying from an early age and help you stay connected with their progress at home.

 

Encourage Communication: Keeping open communication between yourself and your children is essential for maintaining an effective relationship with schoolwork after class. Encourage regular check-ins about how their studies are going so that you can offer support where needed. It is also essential for your children to communicate any difficulties they might have so that you can work together as a team to come up with solutions that work best for them.

 

Staying involved in your child’s education after class is essential for helping them succeed academically and fostering a trusting relationship between parent and child. By creating schedules, providing resources, and encouraging communication between family members, parents can ensure that their children have all the tools necessary for success in the classroom—and beyond! With these tips in mind, parents everywhere should feel confident about engaging meaningfully with their children’s schoolwork, even when classes are over for the day!

Keep Your Kids Ahead of the Game: Strategies for Academic Success

Keeping your kids academically engaged during the school year can be challenging. With so many things competing for their attention, it can take time to ensure they stay on top of their studies. However, you can use a few strategies to help them stay ahead of the game. This blog post will discuss some of the best ways to help your kids achieve academic success!

  • First, set aside a designated time and place for studying each day. This creates a routine and allows your child to focus on their schoolwork without distractions. Please encourage them to take breaks during this study time, as it can be challenging to concentrate for extended periods.
  • Next, stay involved in their education by regularly checking their progress and assignments. This can be done by reviewing their homework and asking about tests or projects they have coming up. Finally, encourage them to seek help from teachers if they struggle in a subject, as it is essential to address any academic challenges early on.
  • Finally, make sure your child is staying organized by having them keep track of upcoming due dates and assignments. This can be done by using a planner or calendar or setting reminders on their phone. Please encourage them to prioritize tasks and break down more significant assignments into smaller chunks to make them more manageable.

Implementing these strategies can help your child stay on track with their studies and achieve academic success.

What are the Skills and Qualifications Needed to Work in a Childcare Center?

Working in a childcare center is a challenging but rewarding job. Therefore, having the proper qualifications to work in this field is vital. The following are some of the capabilities needed to work in a childcare center:

First and foremost, you must be passionate about working with children. This is an essential quality for anyone working in this field. You must also be patient, caring, and loving.

In addition, you must have a strong understanding of early childhood development. Knowing how to support young children’s growth and development is essential. You should also be familiar with common childhood illnesses and how to treat them.

Another important qualification is experience working with children. It is helpful to have previous experience caring for and teaching children. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this career.

Required Skills

There are a few required skills that you must have to work in a childcare center. These include:

  • The ability to develop relationships with children and families
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • The ability to multitask and handle multiple tasks at one time
  • Flexibility and the ability to adapt to change
  • Patience and the ability to handle difficult situations
  • A caring and nurturing personality

Finally, it is crucial to have a good work ethic. You must be able to handle difficult situations and work long hours if needed. Working in a childcare center can be demanding, but it is also gratifying. If you have the proper qualifications, this may be the perfect career.

How to Motivate Your Kids to Get Back to School

It’s that time of year again – the kids are headed back to school, and you want to ensure they’re motivated to do their best. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

 

  1. Talk about why school is important.

Tell your kids why it’s essential to do well in school. Then, explain how their education can help them reach their goals in life.

 

  1. Help them get excited about learning.

Find ways to make learning fun for your kids. For example, take them on educational field trips, let them use educational apps and games, and encourage them to ask questions about the things they’re learning.

 

  1. Set realistic expectations.

Don’t put too much pressure on your kids to succeed. Instead, help them set realistic goals and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small.

 

  1. Be involved in their education.

Make sure you’re involved in your kids’ education. Attend school functions, help with homework, and keep communication open with their teachers.

 

  1. Encourage positive behavior.

Make sure your kids know that you expect them to behave well in school. Praise them when they do well and provide constructive criticism when they need it.

 

These tips will help motivate your kids to return to school and do their best. Just remember to be patient and keep the lines of communication open. You can help your kids have a successful school year with a little effort.

The Best Elementary Schools Near Brooklyn Park, MN

If you’re looking for the best elementary schools in Brooklyn Park, MN, then look no further! Here are some of the top schools in the area:

Twin Lakes STEM Academy (Brooklyn Center, MN)

Twin Lakes Stem Academy is a public charter school that opened its doors in 2015. This school is a great choice for students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The curriculum is designed to challenge students and help them develop their problem-solving skills. The STEM focus helps to prepare students for future careers in these fields.

Crest View Elementary (Brooklyn Park, MN)

Crest View Elementary is a public school that serves students in grades K-5. The school has received awards for its excellence in teaching, and the staff is dedicated to providing a quality education for all students.

Zanewood Elementary (Brooklyn Park, MN)

Zanewood Elementary is a public school that serves students in grades K-5. This school has a strong focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Arts and Mathematics), and the staff is dedicated to helping each student reach his or her potential. Zanewood Elementary has a variety of enrichment programs that help students learn and grow.

Edinbrook Elementary (Brooklyn Park, MN)

Edinbrook Elementary is a public school that serves students in grades K-5. This school has a strong focus on literacy and language arts. The teachers and staff at Edinbrook strive to help students develop collaboration and leadership skills

These are just a few of the great schools near Brooklyn Park, MN. If your children are approaching their first year in school, consider looking over the enrollment services for the Brooklyn Park and Osseo area schools.

Best Public Playgrounds Near Brooklyn Park, MN

Brooklyn Park is known for its access to many parks, and one of the best things about them is that they are open to the public. If you are looking for a great place to take your kids or just get some exercise, these parks are worth checking out.

Elm Creek Park Reserve:

While it is not in Brooklyn Park, it is within minutes of most homes. In addition to being the largest park reserve in the Twin Cities metro, it also offers many fun activities and playgrounds. This huge park is located in Maple Grove, Dayton, and Champlin. It offers tons of outdoor activities and trails, but the biggest selling point for kids is its large and colorful playground area.

Central Park:

This park is located in the heart of Brooklyn Park and offers something for everyone. There is a playground, a basketball court, a soccer field, and plenty of green space for picnics or games of tag.

Northwoods Park:

This park is great for kids thanks to its large playground with a variety of equipment, including a climbing wall and a zip line. There is also a basketball court, a tennis court, and a softball field.

Willowstone Park:

This small neighborhood park is a hidden gem. It has a playground, a basketball court, and plenty of green space. It also boasts a great view of the Mighty Mississippi River! It is the perfect place to take a break from the city without having to travel too far.

As Spring approaches, it’s time to start getting some fresh air for your kids. If you are looking for a place to get some exercise or take your kids for a playdate, these parks are worth checking out.

Benefits of Daycare for Infants

Every parent has a lot on their plate right now, especially if they have a toddler or infant. Caring for your children can be a full-time job, and because of this, it can be difficult to support your family financially. Many families require the parents to be working adults, especially when they have little ones to take care of. There are many benefits to enrolling your children in a child care center, especially as young as infancy. Here are the reasons why you should consider daycare for your infants.

They Develop Social Interactions

Children must start socializing at an early age. When an infant is enrolled in a daycare program, they will develop social interactions much quicker, as they are introduced to so many other children. When they get to toddler age, they will find it much easier to develop friendships and communicate effectively with other children. Infant care also gives children exposure to other adults that are not paternal, which can positively challenge how they form bonds with different people. This helps the child grow and develop greater connections.

Care and Nutrition

Many parents have concerns about their child’s nutrition. They want to make sure their kids are eating healthy and getting the proper vitamins and minerals. Before the infant can make the switch to regular food, they will likely use whatever the parents provide. Once they are old enough, their meals will always be enriched with the proper vitamins and minerals to help their brains and bodies grow. Nutrition is always a priority when it comes to the meals fed to children and infants in daycare.

Builds Up Immunities

When children and infants are at home all the time, they don’t get exposure to different bacteria, allergens, and other germs. Mostly harmless, but oftentimes a young child who hasn’t left their home too often can develop reactions or get sick more frequently, as they weren’t exposed to such different germs early on. Infants’ immune systems are incredibly malleable and easily build up tolerance and immunities to certain bacteria and allergens that they are exposed to. Once school time approaches, it’s not uncommon for kids who weren’t raised in child care centers to get sick more often, especially if they rarely left their home.

The Benefits of Early Spanish Education

Introducing your child to a second language comes with a load of benefits. Not only will you give them a chance to learn another language, when they’re older, but they will also have greater access to opportunities because of their fluency in two languages. Spanish is also the second most spoken language in the US and the World, making it the best choice for your young children. Here are the top benefits of teaching your child Spanish early on.

Early Language Development Yields Higher Fluency

The most critical time for a child’s early development is typically before the age of 6. By that time, children are fairly fluent in speaking their native language. That’s because of how natural it is for them to acquire a language. So by introducing them to a foreign language while they are still developing, they will ultimately become bilingual.

A better understanding of English

Learning a second language can help you understand your native language better, especially if they share similar roots. Spanish is the Latin language, and while English is not, it still has many derivatives from Latin words. Studying Spanish can help a child understand English better and how language has evolved, which in return can improve their overall vocabulary.

More Travel Opportunities

Spanish is one of the most spoken languages worldwide and is the official language of over 20 countries. Knowing a foreign language opens up travel plans, as you will be able to comfortably explore the local culture. When your child is older, they might develop a greater appreciation for the world due to their exposure to a foreign language early on.

There is nothing more remarkable than watching your child’s language comprehension skills develop. It’s even more rewarding to see them pick up a second language, especially early on. Our Spanish language program incorporates educational lessons with exploration and play, giving kids the ability to experiment with new words!

How to Keep Kids Learning Through the Summer

Lets’ face it, the big draw to summertime for kids is that they do not have school. Even the kids who love school still enjoy the break, and a chance to turn off their brains for a while. As parents, we might not necessarily want them to fully turn off their brains, however. Here are some ideas to help kids keep learning through the summer, even if they don’t know they are doing it.

Hit the Library

Gather up the whole family and head to the library. Most libraries aren’t just about books. There are many things to enjoy that are all educational. Not only that, but you can foster a love or reading by sharing books with each other, reading aloud, and talking about why you’ve each chosen the books that you have.

Family Field Trips

The summer is the perfect time to visit exciting places where kids can also learn. These spots include museums of all sorts, from art to history, science centers, and even factories. Kids can learn about how products such as chocolate are made, and still get to sample it after. These trips, much like the ones they take at school, will foster engagement and lead to discussions and learning.

Cook Together

During the school year, things can be incredibly hectic with balancing school, work schedules, extra-curriculars, and social lives. In the summer, there is more time to spend together. A great way to combine that with learning skills is through cooking. Not only can kids experience a valuable life skill, but it also helps with math, and even science. You can also choose themes for meals, and provide interesting historical and social context to the meals you make.

These are just a few of the many ideas you can use throughout the summer to get your kids engaged and interested in learning. They do not have to shut those brains off all summer.

How to Help Your Child Understand Math Concepts

Most children, from a very young age, are able to differentiate between large and small, tall and short, and slow and fast. At their most basic, these are mathematical concepts, even though we don’t often think of them as such. Math is such an important part of life that when children start to use mathematical ideas and words, it’s a great idea to promote the understanding of the concepts behind them.

For example, if a child talks about an animal that is running fast, you can ask them questions to develop their thinking. This would involve asking why the animal might run so fast, and the answer is probably that they are prey. You can also ask why the animal ran into a tree, and it could be so that they can hide.

Using Fingers

Fingers are obviously used for things like grabbing, pointing, and making gestures. However, they can also be used for counting and other mathematical functions. Fingers are an amazing tool for children to use to learn their numbers and counting concepts. You can play finger counting games, for instance. Ask them to identify how many fingers you are holding up. You can also have them show you the number of fingers you ask them for.

Drawing and Art

Sometimes, kids communicate best by showing instead of telling. They can use their fingers and gestures, but they can also draw as well. For instance, they can draw groups of numbers, and as they develop this can really help with multiplication and other more advanced concepts. They can also combine the drawings with words to help them better organize their thoughts and ideas.

It is never too early to get kids to think about math. Try some of these techniques to help it be more engaging and even fun.

What Are The Benefits Of Day Care Centers?

Ever since the industrial revolution, when not only the world changed, but attitudes towards gender roles started changing, day care centers became essential for many households with two working parents. No longer was it just about the man going to work to bring home the bacon. More and more women needed to leave the home to help provide for the family. Now, day care centers play a vital role in our economy as they allow both parents to make money and have satisfying careers. Here are some other benefits.

Environment

While the parents might be out of the home, that does not mean that the kids cannot have a home-like environment. Day care centers are often set up like a home, and the kids are provided with care, attention, and healthy meals.

Learning

Learning is a big part of every day care center. They provide age-appropriate activities and lessons that help the children get prepared for their school years to come. They can get a head start on their alphabet and number literacy. Parents can certainly teach these things, but day care centers are staffed by professionals.v

Social

Day care centers provide an opportunity for children to learn how to work in groups, and get along with others. These are vital skills to have once school starts. They will learn to adjust to different personalities, and share toys and other items with others without fighting.

Fun

With all the learning and sharing, there’s still plenty of time for fun! They play games, read stories, do crafts, and spend all day being engaged. They make new friends that in some cases, last for life. The staff are professionals in child development and also very knowledgeable about activities for kids.

Choosing

When you are choosing a facility, it’s important to take a few things into consideration. This means that you must visit the center to see how it operates. When you are there, ask about group sizes, and how many kids there are per class member. You will want to make sure that your child will not feel too uncomfortable or be lost in the crowd.

A day care center can help a family reach financial goals and help provide children with an excellent quality of life. If you’re deciding whether or not to send your kids to day care, remember these benefits.

If you are interested in learning about Today’s Life Schools & Child Care’s Minnesota day care services, feel free to contact us online or call 952-358-2020.

Now Enrolling Toddlers & Preschool Age Children!

Now Enrolling Toddlers & Preschool Age Children! Great Care & Premium Education Starts Here. Best Eden Prairie Rates!

Today’s Life Schools & Childcare is devoted to providing the highest quality care and education for every child. Our curriculum for all age groups is built on enduring child development principles. Explore our infant, toddler, preschooler, pre-kindergarten, Spanish language, summer fun and enrichment programs.

Four Developmental Benefits of Dramatic Play

Four Developmental Benefits of Dramatic Play

According to experts, dramatic play is any type of play where “children assign and accept roles and act them out”. This means that whether your child likes to pretend to be a doctor or wants to be a mechanic working the big wheel, they’re engaging in dramatic play.

But dramatic play is about more than just play. In fact, there are four developmental benefits of pretend play, including:

  1. Intellectual – Dramatic play is known to help children solve problems, negotiate, organize and plan.
  2. Physical – Most play also increases motor development, strength and coordination (depending on the activity).
  3. Social – Social development means being able to share, take turns, cooperate, negotiate and handle disappointment when it happens.
  4. Emotional – Emotional developments might include feelings of protection, a sense of self and individually as well.

At Today’s Life Schools & Child Care, we focus on dramatic play, making our classrooms and facility a great location for your little one!

About St Patrick’s Day

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17th. In Ireland, St Patrick’s Day is both a holy day and a national holiday. Saint Patrick is a patron saint of Ireland as he was the one who brought Christianity to the Irish.

According to the legend, St Patrick used a shamrock to explain about God. The shamrock, which looks like a clover, has three leaves on each stem. Saint Patrick told the people that the shamrock was like the idea of the trinity, that in the one God there are three divine beings: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The shamrock was sacred to the druids, so St Patrick’s use of it in explaining the trinity was very wise.

Although it began in Ireland, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in countries around the world. People with Irish heritage remind themselves of the beautiful green countryside of Ireland by wearing green and taking part in the festivities.

St Patrick’s Day is usually celebrated with a parade. The one in Dublin, Ireland is known to some as the Irish Mardi Gras. But the one in New York city is actually one of the biggest. It last for hours. Two Irish wolfhounds, the mascots of the New York National Guard Infantry regiment, always lead the parade. More than one hundred bands and a hundred thousand marchers follow the wolfhounds in the parade.

Saint Patrick and the Snakes:

Another tale about Patrick is that he drove the snakes from Ireland. Different versions of the story, tell of him standing upon a hill, using a wooden staff to drive the serpents into the sea, banishing them forever from Ireland.

One version says that an old serpent resisted banishment, but that Patrick outwitted it. Patrick made a box and invited the snake to enter. The snake insisted it was too small and the two argued. Finally to prove his point, the snake entered the box to show how tight the fit was. Patrick slammed the lid closed and threw the box into the sea.

Although it’s true that Ireland has no snakes, this likely had more to do with the fact that Ireland is an island and being separated from the rest of the continent the snakes couldn’t get there. The stories of Saint Patrick and the snakes are likely a metaphor for his bringing Christianity to Ireland and driving out the pagan religions (Serpents were a common symbol in many of these religions).

Sharing these fun stories with your children most always leaves them wonder.

5 Ages Of Brain Development

Throughout our life, starting at conception week 4, our brain continues to undergo growth and changes. Here are the 5 steps our brain develops into:

STAGE 1

By the time we take our first breath, the brain is already more than 8 months old. It starts to develop within four weeks of conception, when one of three layers of cells in the embryo rolls up to form the neural tube. A week later, the top of this tube bends over, creating the basic structure of fore, mid and hindbrain.

From this point, brain growth and differentiation is controlled mainly by the genes. Even so, the key to getting the best out of your brain at this stage is to have the best prenatal environment possible. In the early weeks of development, that means having a mother who is stress-free, eats well and stays away from cigarettes, alcohol and other toxins. Towards the end of the brain-building process, when the fetus becomes able to hear and remember, sounds and sensations also begin to shape the train.

In the first two trimesters of pregnancy, though, development is all about putting the basic building blocks in place: growing neurons and connections and making sure each section of the brain grows properly and in the right area. This takes energy, and a variety of nutrients in the right quantity at the right time.

 

STAGE 2

In childhood, the brain is the most energetic and flexible that it will ever be. As we explore the world around us it continues to grow, making and breaking connections at breakneck speed. Perhaps surprisingly, learning, memory and language begin before we are even born.

During the prenatal period, up to a quarter of a million new cells form every minute, making 1.8 million new connections per seconds, though about half of the cells will later wither and die, leaving only those reinforced by use. From birth, a child undergoes more than a decade of rapid growth and development, in which every experience contributes to the person they will become. So what can a parent do to help maximize the potential of their child’s brain? A nurturing environment and daily individualized communication. Negative and/or harsh treatment may come with emotional consequences in the future.

 

STAGE 3

Teenagers are selfish, reckless, irrational and irritable, but given the cacophony of construction going on inside the adolescent brain, is it any wonder? In the teenage years, our brain may be fully grown, but the wiring is certainly a work in progress.

Psychologists used to explain the particularly unpleasant characteristics of adolescence as products of raging sex hormones, since children reach near adult cerebral volumes well before puberty. More recently, though, imaging studies have revealed a gamut of structural changes in the teens and early 20s that go a long way towards explaining these tumultuous teenage years.

Jay Giedd at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and his colleagues have followed the progress of nearly 400 children, scanning many of them every two years as they grew up. They found that adolescence brings waves of grey-matter pruning, with teens losing about 1 percent of their grey matter every year until their early 20s.

This cerebral pruning trims unused neural connections that were overproduced in the childhood growth spurt, starting with the more basic sensory and motor areas. These mature first, followed by regions involved in language and spatial orientation and lastly those involved in higher processing and executive functions.

 

STAGE 4

So you’re in your early 20s and your brain has finally reached adulthood. Enjoy it while it lasts. The peak of your brain’s powers comes at around age 22 and lasts for just half a decade. From there it’s downhill all the way.

This long, slow decline begins at about 27 and runs throughout adulthood, although different abilities decline at different rates. Curiously, the ones that start to go first – those involved with executive control, such as planning and task coordination – are the ones that took the longest to appear during your teens. These abilities are associated with the prefrontal and temporal cortices, which are still maturing well into your early 20s.

Episodic memory, which is involved in recalling events, also declines rapidly, while the brain’s processing speed slows down and working memory is able to store less information.

So just how fast is the decline? According to research, from our mid-20s we lose up to 1 point per decade on a test called the mini mental state examination. This is a 30-point test of arithmetic, language and basic motor skills that is typically used to assess how fast people with dementia are declining. A 3 to 4 point drop is considered clinically significant. In other words, the decline people typically experience between 25 and 65 has real-world consequences.

 

STAGE 5

By the time you retire, there’s no doubt about it, your brain isn’t what it used to be. By 65 most people will start to notice the signs: you forget people’s names and the teapot occasionally turns up in the fridge.

There is a good reason why our memories start to let us down. At this stage of our life we are steadily losing brain cells in critical areas such as the hippocampus – the area where memories are processed. This is not too much of a problem at first, even in old age the brain is flexible enough to compensate. At some point though, the losses start to make themselves felt.

Clearly not everyone ages the same way, so what’s the difference between jolly, intelligent oldie and a forgetful, grumpy granny? And can we improve our chances of becoming the former?

Exercise can certainly help. Numerous studies have shown that gentle exercise three times a week can improve concentration and abstract reasoning in older people, perhaps by stimulating the growth of new brain cells. Exercise also helps steady our blood glucose. As we age, our glucose regulation worsens, which causes spikes in blood sugar. This can affect the dentate gyrus, an area within the hippocampus that helps form memories. Since physical activity helps regulate glucose, getting out and about could reduce these peaks and, potentially, improve your memory.

 

Stay healthy!

Cold Weather Rules & Tips

Whether winter brings severe storms, light dust or just cold temperatures, the American Academy of Pediatrics has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm. We follow most of them here at Today’s Life, most of them I say because children will never be going outside in temperatures under 15/20 degrees here at the center and at those temperatures; children would not spend more than 10/15 minutes outside. But read below and see what you can get out of it:

 

What to Wear

  • Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Choose boots that are large enough to comfortably accommodate two pairs of socks.
  • Remove drawstrings from clothing which may get caught on tree branches or play equipment. Replace with Velcro.
  • The rules of thumb for older babies and young children are to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
  • When riding in the car, babies and children should wear thin, snug layers rather than thick, bulky coats or snowsuits.
  • Blankets, quilts, pillows, bumpers, sheepskins and other loose bedding should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment, which we follow here at Today’s Life, because they are associated with suffocation deaths and may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is better to use sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers or wearable blankets is preferred.
  • If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be thin and tucked under the crib mattress, reaching only as far as the baby’s chest, so the infant’s face is less likely to become covered by bedding materials.

Hypothermia

  • Hypothermia develops when a child’s temperature falls below normal due to exposure to colder temperatures. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without proper clothing or when clothes get wet. It can occur more quickly in children than adults.
  • As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. Speech may become slurred and body temperature will decline in more severe cases.
  • If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him/her in blankets or warm clothes.

Frostbite

  • Frostbite happens when the skin outer tissues become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose. Skin first becomes red and tingly, then gray and painful and finally white, cold and hard without pain. Blistering occurs after the skin thaws.
  • Playing in temperatures or wind chills below -15 degrees Fahrenheit should be avoided because exposed skin begins to freeze within minutes.
  • Prevent frostbite by dressing in layers, covering all body parts when outside in cold weather. Bring children indoors if clothing gets wet.
  • If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water. 104 degrees Fahrenheit (about the temperatures of most hot tubs) is recommended. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.
  • Administer acetaminophen or ibuprofen (consult your doctor or pharmacist on dosage) when you begin rewarming because as the skin thaws pain occurs.
  • Do not rub the frozen areas.
  • After a few minutes, dry and cover the child with clothing or blankets. Give him/her something warm to drink and seek medical attention immediately particularly if blistering occurs

Winter Health

  • If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds, try using a cold air humidifier in the child’s room at night. Saline nose drops or petrolatum jelly may help keep nasal tissues moist. If bleeding is severe or recurrent, consult your pediatrician.
  • Many pediatricians feel that bathing two or three times a week is enough for an infant’s first year. More frequent baths may dry out the skin, especially during the winter.
  • Cold weather does not cause colds or flu. But the viruses that cause colds and flu tend to be more common in the winter, when children are in school and are in closer contact with each other. Frequent hand washing and teaching your child to sneeze or cough into the bend of her elbow may help reduce the spread of colds and flu.
  • Children 6 months of age and up should get the influenza vaccine to reduce their risk of catching the flu. Around 80% of all influenza illness generally occurs in January, February, and March.

Winter Sports and Activities

  • Set reasonable limits on outdoor play to prevent hypothermia and frostbite and make sure kids have a place to go warm up when they get cold. When weather is severe, have children come inside periodically to warm up.
  • Alcohol or drug use should not be permitted in any situation. They can be even more dangerous in winter activities like snowmobiling or skiing.

A few tips that we hope will help and answered some of your questions.

A Little History About Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Jarvis would later denounce the holiday’s commercialization and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar. While dates and celebrations vary, Mother’s Day most commonly falls on the second Sunday in May and traditionally involves presenting mothers with flowers, cards and other gifts.

Mother’s Day: Historical Precursors

Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.” Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service. Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.

Did You Know?

More phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. These holiday chats with Mom often cause phone traffic to spike by as much as 37 percent.

Mother’s Day: Early Incarnations

The roots of the modern American Mother’s Day date back to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War (1861-65), Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.

Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from the abolitionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace. In 1873 Howe campaigned for a “Mother’s Peace Day” to be celebrated every June 2. Other early Mother’s Day pioneers include Juliet Calhoun Blakely, a temperance activist who inspired a local Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the 1870s. The duo of Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Hering, meanwhile, both worked to organize a Mothers’ Day in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some have even called Hering “the father of Mothers’ Day.”

Mother’s Day: Founding by Anna Jarvis

The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. After gaining financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker, in May 1908 she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. That same day also saw thousands of people attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia.

Following the success of her first Mother’s Day, Jarvis—who remained unmarried and childless her whole life—resolved to see her holiday added to the national calendar. Arguing that American holidays were biased toward male achievements, she started a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians urging the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood. By 1912 many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother’s Day as an annual holiday, and Jarvis had established the Mother’s Day International Association to help promote her cause. Her persistence paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Anna Jarvis had originally conceived of Mother’s Day as a day of personal celebration between mothers and families. Her version of the day involved wearing a white carnation as a badge and visiting one’s mother or attending church services. But once Mother’s Day became a national holiday, it was not long before florists, card companies and other merchants capitalized on its popularity.

While Jarvis had initially worked with the floral industry to help raise Mother’s Day’s profile, by 1920 she had become disgusted with how the holiday had been commercialized. She outwardly denounced the transformation and urged people to stop buying Mother’s Day flowers, cards and candies. Jarvis eventually resorted to an open campaign against Mother’s Day profiteers, speaking out against confectioners, florists and even charities. She also launched countless lawsuits against groups that had used the name “Mother’s Day,” eventually spending most of her personal wealth in legal fees. By the time of her death in 1948 Jarvis had disowned the holiday altogether, and even actively lobbied the government to see it removed from the American calendar.

Mother’s Day: Celebrations and Traditions

While versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated throughout the world, traditions vary depending on the country. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Sirikit. Another alternate observance of Mother’s Day can be found in Ethiopia, where families gather each fall to sing songs and eat a large feast as part of Antrosht, a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood.

In the United States, Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated by presenting mothers and other women with gifts and flowers, and it has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending. Families might also celebrate by giving mothers a day off from activities like cooking or other household chores. At times Mother’s Day has also been a date for launching political or feminist causes. In 1968 Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., used Mother’s Day to host a march in support of underprivileged women and children. In the 1970s women’s groups also used the holiday as a time to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare.

For more info, visit: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day

Teething: What To Expect

Somewhere between 2 and 12 months (or later), your baby’s teeth will make their grand, grumpy entrance. Here’s how to read the symptoms of teething along with remedies to ease baby’s discomfort.

When your baby’s first tooth shows up, you might be taken by surprise (“Ow! Was that just a bite?”), or you might just finally understand what all those surefire teething signs — drooling, night waking, crabbiness — were pointing to. Every baby experiences teething differently: Some have virtually no symptoms, while other babies experience teething pain for months. Fortunately, there are some signs to watch for as this developmental milestone approaches that can help make teething easier for your baby — and for you.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Most babies grow their first tooth around 7 months old, although there’s a wide variation in timing of teething. For example, some babies grow their first tooth as early as two or three months whereas others don’t get one until after their first birthday. Teething symptoms, however, can precede the actual appearance of a tooth by as much as two or three months.

In What Order Do Teeth Appear?

The most common first teeth are the two in the bottom center, followed by the two in the top center. Then, the pattern goes outward with lateral incisors, which are in the next spot over, followed by the first molars, or the molars closest to the opening of baby’s mouth. Then come the canines on either side of the lateral incisors and last are the second molars in the very back. See the American Dental Association’s tooth eruption chart.

9 Common Teething Symptoms

Your little one is not likely to understand why he feels so achy, why he keeps waking up in the night with soreness in his mouth or why his chin is so itchy. So here are top teething symptoms to keep an eye out for:

  1. Drooling. It’s hard to believe so much fluid can come from the mouths of tiny babes, but teething stimulates drooling, and the waterworks are on for many babies starting from about 10 weeks to three or four months of age. If you find that your baby’s shirts are constantly soggy, fasten on a bib to keep her more comfortable (and cleaner), and gently wipe her chin throughout the day to stave off chapping.
  2. Teething rash. If your teething baby is pouring out prodigious amounts of drool, the constant drip may cause chafing, chapping, redness and rashes around her mouth and chin (and even on her neck). Patting away the drool will help prevent the rash. You can also create a moisture barrier with Vaseline or Aquaphor, and moisturize with a gentle unscented skin cream as needed. Have some nipple cream (like Lansinoh) on hand? It’s great for protecting tender baby skin, too.
  3. Coughing and/or gag reflex. All that drool can make babies gag and cough (you’d choke too with a mouthful of spit). It’s no cause for concern if your baby has no other signs of cold, flu or allergies.
  4. Biting. Pressure from teeth poking through under the gums causes baby a lot of discomfort — and that discomfort can be relieved by counterpressure (aka, biting). Teething babies will gum whatever they can find, from teething rings and rattles to your soon-to-be sore nipples (if you’re breastfeeding) and fingers.
  5. Crying. Some babies breeze through teething with nary a whimper, while others suffer from a good deal of pain due to the inflammation of tender gum tissue — which they feel compelled to share with you in the form of whining or crying. First teeth usually hurt the most (as do the molars, because they’re just plain bigger), although most babies eventually get used to what teething feels like and aren’t quite so bothered later on. Talk to your doctor about when to offer pain relievers like infant acetaminophen.
  6. Irritability. Your baby’s mouth will ache as that little tooth presses on the gums and pokes up to the surface, and, not surprisingly, it’ll probably make her feel out of sorts. Some babies may be irritable for just a few hours, but others can stay crabby for days or even weeks.
  7. Refusal to feed. Uncomfortable, cranky babies yearn to be soothed by something in their mouths — whether a bottle or the breast. But the suction of nursing may make a teething baby’s sore gums feel worse. For that reason, teething babies are fussy about feedings (and get more frustrated as neither their discomfort nor their hungry tummies find relief). Babies eating solid foods may also refuse to eat during teething. Keep at it, and call your pediatrician if the strike lasts more than a few days.
  8. Night waking. The teething fairy doesn’t only work days. As your baby’s teeth begin to emerge, her discomfort may disrupt her nighttime slumber (even if she previously slept through the night). Before offering comfort, see if she can settle herself back to sleep; if she’s still restless, soothe her with patting or lullabies but avoid a return to nighttime feedings (which will come back to haunt you when teething is done).
  9. Ear pulling; cheek rubbing. Teething babies may tug furiously at their ear or rub their cheek or chin. The reason? Gums, ears and cheeks share nerve pathways, and so an ache in the gums (especially from erupting molars) can travel elsewhere. (Babies with ear infections will also yank on their ears, so do check with your pediatrician if you suspect your baby may be bothered by more than just teething.)

The type and severity of these symptoms vary wildly from baby to baby — for one baby, teething means lots of discomfort and big-time tears, while another child might breeze right through to a mouth full of teeth without a complaint.  Still, you can expect to see at least some, and maybe many, of these symptoms (some of which can precede the actual appearance of a tooth by as much as two or three months — so hang in there Mom!).

The 7 Best Teething Remedies

While you can’t take on your baby’s teething discomfort, you can help take it away with these mom-tested remedies:

  1. Chewing. Teething babies love to chew, and for good reason: The gumming action provides counterpressure, which relieves the aching pressure of new pearly whites pushing up and out into the mouth. Bumpy rubber teething rings, rattles and other teething toys work well (including — your baby has probably figured out — the plastic bumper on a crib rail). Chewing is even more effective when the object is cold and numbs the gums. Keep a supply of teething toys or wet washcloths in the fridge, rather than the freezer — very cold comfort can hurt sensitive gums just as much as an erupting tooth does.
  2. Counterpressure. Your clean finger, teething toys with nubbly edges or a soft, wet toothbrush (no toothpaste) rubbed firmly on baby’s gums can provide the same soothing counterpressure. Your baby may balk at first because it seems to hurt initially, but it soon brings relief.
  3. Cold drinks. A bottle of icy cold water can offer chilly relief to achy gums for babies over six months (when water can be introduced), or, if baby doesn’t take a bottle, give (ice-free) water in a cup.
  4. Cold food. Like icy food to rest gums on, chilled food to eat, such as yogurt, blended peaches, and applesauce (once they’ve already been introduced to your baby), can be more appetizing than warm or room-temperature foods, and can ease achy gums. Or give frozen fruits like bananas and plums in a baby feeder mesh bag (so large chunks of gummed-off food can’t pose a choking risk), but only under adult supervision and with baby sitting or propped upright.
  5. Pain relief. If chewing, rubbing and sucking chilly foods don’t do the trick, break out the baby acetaminophen — but only after checking with your pediatrician.
  6. Comfort. Extra snuggles, extra kisses and lots of patience are what a teething baby wants most.
  7. Avoid numbing agents. Using rubbing alcohol on your baby’s gums is a no-go, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against topical numbing agents, which can put children under age 2 at risk for reduced oxygen levels in the blood. The FDA also recommends against any herbal or homeopathic natural teething meds, especially since some contain an ingredient that can cause heart problems and drowsiness.
  8. Avoid amber teething necklaces. They don’t work, and they can pose a choking hazard.

What not to worry about: Teething can cause bleeding under the gums, which may look like a bluish lump in baby’s mouth. It’s nothing to be concerned about and can be relieved with cold counterpressure using a cool wet washcloth.

While some parents swear that low-grade fever and diarrhea are teething symptoms, doctors are divided on whether that’s true. But like inflammation anywhere else in the body, inflamed gums can sometimes produce a low-grade fever. So if your little one does develop a temperature of less than 101 degrees while he’s cutting a tooth, it could be caused by inflammation of the gums and is not a cause for concern. If the fever continues for more than three days, or if it’s higher than 101 degrees or accompanied by any other symptoms of illness, call your pediatrician. The same goes for diarrhea, which some parents speculate can be caused by all the extra drool that gets swallowed when a baby is teething. It’s nothing to worry about, but if it lasts for more than two bowel movements, give your child’s doctor a call.

FOR MORE INFO: http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/teething/

Healthy Eating Habits for Your Child

By teaching your children healthy eating habits, and modeling these behaviors in yourself, you can help your children maintain a healthy weight and normal growth. Also, the eating habits your children pick up when they are young will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle when they are adults.

Your child’s health care provider can evaluate your child’s weight and growth and let you know if your child needs to lose or gain weight or if any dietary changes need to be made.

Some of the most important aspects of healthy eating are portion control and cutting down on how much fat your child eats. Simple ways to reduce fat intake in your child’s diet and promote a healthy weight include serving:

  • Low-fat or nonfat dairy products
  • Poultry without skin
  • Lean cuts of meats
  • Whole grain breads and cereals
  • Healthy snacks such as fruit and veggies

Also, reduce the amount of sugar sweetened drinks and salt in your child’s diet.

If you are unsure about how to select and prepare a variety of foods for your family, consult a registered dietitian for nutrition counseling.

It is important that you do not place your overweight child(ren) on a restrictive diet. Children should never be placed on a restrictive diet to lose weight unless a doctor supervises one for medical reasons.

Other approaches parents can take to develop healthy eating habits in their children include:

  • Guide your family’s choices rather than dictate foods. Make a wide variety of healthful foods available in the house. This practice will help your children learn how to make healthy food choices. Leave the unhealthy choices like chips, soda, and juice at the grocery store. Serve water with meals.
  • Encourage your children to eat slowly. A child can detect hunger and fullness better when they eat slowly. Before offering a second helping or serving, ask your child to wait at least 15 minutes to see if they are truly still hungry. This will give the brain time to register fullness. Also, that second helping should be much smaller than the first.
  • Eat meals together as a family as often as possible. Try to make mealtimes pleasant with conversation and sharing, not a time for scolding or arguing. If mealtimes are unpleasant, children may try to eat faster to leave the table as soon as possible. They then may learn to associate eating with stress.
  • Involve your children in food shopping and preparing meals. These activities will give you hints about your children’s food preferences, an opportunity to teach your children about nutrition, and provide your kids with a feeling of accomplishment. In addition, children may be more willing to eat or try foods that they help prepare.
  • Plan for snacks. Continuous snacking may lead to overeating, but snacks that are planned at specific times during the day can be part of a nutritious diet, without spoiling a child’s appetite at meal times. You should make snacks as nutritious as possible, without depriving your children of occasional chips or cookies, especially at parties or other social events.
  • Discourage eating meals or snacks while watching TV. Try to eat only in designated areas of your home, such as the dining room or kitchen. Eating in front of the TV may make it difficult to pay attention to feelings of fullness, and may lead to overeating.
  • Encourage your children to drink more water. Over consumption of sweetened drinks and sodas has been linked to increased rates of obesity in children.
  • Try not to use food to punish or reward your children. Withholding food as a punishment may lead children to worry that they will not get enough food. For example, sending children to bed without any dinner may cause them to worry that they will go hungry. As a result, children may try to eat whenever they get a chance. Similarly, when foods, such as sweets, are used as a reward, children may assume that these foods are better or more valuable than other foods. For example, telling children that they will get dessert if they eat all of their vegetables sends the wrong message about vegetables.
  • Make sure your children’s meals outside the home are balanced. Find out more about their school lunch program, or pack their lunch to include a variety of foods. Also, select healthier items when dining at restaurants.
  • Pay attention to portion size and ingredients. Read food labels and limit foods with trans fat. Also, make sure you serve the appropriate portion as indicated on the label.