Did you know September 13th is “Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day”? The idea is to empower kids and teens to be more involved in meal planning, preparation and cooking. The experience of working together and creating meals can help build their self-esteem, confidence and help lay the foundation for healthy eating. Children that help in the kitchen may also be…
With summer vacation coming to an end, parents and children are spending time getting ready to head back to school. The back to school routine includes things like; new school supplies, new shoes, haircuts, and maybe even some special end-of-summer outings. There are some other things that parents can do for themselves and their children to ensure a smooth transition into…
Did you know that August 11th is Play In The Sand Day? What better time to explore with sand! Sand is an excellent tool that offers children hours of fun and learning. You don’t need to go to the beach to explore the sand, you can have your own sandbox at home, go to the park, or just use a…
Falling off is part of learning to ride bicycles, so it’s important to know how to keep children safe once they start riding. Your child’s safety starts with protective gear, safety lessons and riding in safe places. Safety basics: Here’s a list of safety basics to follow when your child is learning to ride a bicycle. Wear a helmet. Helmets…
Summer shouldn’t mean taking a break from learning, especially reading. Studies show that most students experience a loss of reading skills over the summer months, but children who continue to read will gain skills and confidence. Summer reading should always be enjoyable. Here are 9 summer reading tips for parents: Read aloud together with your child every day. Make…
Do you remember your parents uttering the words, “I feel like I am talking to a brick wall!” Ever feel like you are talking to a brick wall? Children have a lot going on in their brains and oddly enough it is not centered around us, the adults in their lives. Go figure! Do you remember being so focused on…
Wondering how to best protect kids from mosquitoes and the sun’s strong rays? There are some age guidelines to consider when it comes to using sunscreen and bug spray on children. “Children have thinner skin and things can be absorbed more easily,” warned Jennifer Beecker, the national chair of the Canadian Dermatology Association‘s Sun Awareness Program. Special rules for babies Health Canada does not…
Children have an innate drive for discovery. They are born with wonderful imaginations and a keen desire to explore and understand their world. Here are 9 tips to encourage and support your child’s discovery of science and the world around them. Explore and find the answers together. If you are uncertain how to answer your child’s question you…
What are “loose parts” and what do you do with them? Loose parts can be ANYTHING! Loose parts are mostly random bits and pieces of materials like sea shells, puzzle pieces, water bottles, straws, silk scarves, thread spools, scrap material, tulle, really anything that can be found in everyday life. The fun, exciting and interesting thing about loose parts is…