Backyard Safety Tips for a Safe & Happy Labor Day!

Many families enjoy spending time in their backyards, especially while celebrating Labor Day. But the backyard poses an entirely new set of problems and concerns. It doesn’t matter whether you like to have family cook outs or simply sit outside and look at the stars.

 

Here is a list of tips to keep your little ones safe in the backyard. 1. Watch your baby at all times. Bugs, rocks, dirt, grass, etc. could all prove to be hazards. Attentive parenting is always the best safety tool. 2. Bug spray. If you live in a climate where mosquitoes, ticks, etc are a problem then you will want something to protect your baby. The best products are Deet free and come in gentle formulas. 3. Water. Always have plenty of fresh water and snacks. 4. Sunscreen. Anytime your baby is outdoors they should be protected with an SPF of at least 50. 5. Keep your baby contained. If you have a large yard, you may want to invest in playyard. It will keep baby in one area, and give you a much smaller area to baby proof. Pay special attention once your child starts standing, as they will eventually be able to climb out. 6. Be mindful of plants and insects. Babies love to put things in their mouth, and many items outdoors are poisonous. Make sure to research anything you plant in the garden, as well as anything that pops up in the wild. If you do find something poisonous, uproot it immediately or kill it with a weed killer. 7. Be prepared for stings. Bees, wasps, yellow jackets etc, are all real threats to your baby. If your child gets stung (assuming that they aren’t allergic) you can administer a cold compress and some antihistamines. 8. Grilling. Always keep the baby away from the grill and open flame.  Tips courtesy of Babyproofingdirectory.com

Little Ones that get Left Behind

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Tips for easing the transition when older sibling go back to school.

Play school. Set up your own classroom and play school teaching simple lessons. 

Explain the changes. Prepare your little ones with a “story” about how school days will be a little different — but still fun and happy — once the older ones head off.

Create a “secret” leave-behind. Make a special card together with them to remind your older child how much their younger brother or sister loves them, and tuck it into your older child’s lunch bag or backpack. It will actually be a special treat for your toddler as well!

Do something special on the first day. After your older child heads to school, try to do something special with the younger one. Try a café for lunch ,visit a museum or organize a playdate. Whatever you do, make it special and enjoy each other’s company.

Practice the art of distraction. If all else fails, try your best to divert their attention away from missing his or her older siblings. Bake cookies together, put together a puzzle, go for a walk. Or just snuggle and take a nap together.

It’s hard for young children to know what to expect when one sibling goes to school. It certainly is an adjustment, no doubt. But, like anything else the changes will morph into a decidedly  familiar and comfortable new routine. Then before you know it, it’ll be time for summer vacation once again!

Some tips courtesy of Parenting Magazine on-line.

5 ways alleviate back to school anxiety

Back to school can be difficult for kids and parents. Here are five way to help alleviate back to school anxiety. 

1) Go shopping together - Even if you already have the items on hand, make a special trip to the store to pick up one or two things -- and make it a fun excursion for both of you.

2) Get the sleep schedule on track - Gradually get them back on schedule, moving up their bedtime by 15-30 minutes every few days. This way, when their first day of school rolls around, their internal body clocks will already be adjusted.

3) Create a special goodbye ritual - Whether it's a silly handshake or a simple call-and-response phrase like, "See ya later alligator/After a while crocodile," find something unique to do as you say your goodbyes.

4) Keep it short but sweet - Give them one last hug, take a deep breath, trust the teachers and walk away.

5) Celebrate at pick-up - At the end of the school day, make sure you are not late, tell them how proud you are and ask what's on the tap for tomorrow so you can keep the enthusiasm going.

Tips courtesy of Parenting Magazine on-line

Calico Critters Fun Day!

Calico Critters Party Aug 18, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.  Come meet Mrs. Fisher Cat, WIN 15-25% Off Calico Critter purchases, Enjoy our Tea Party, Face Paintng & More!

Visit www.kstoy.com/events

Be part of history - Round Rock’s first local “Cash Mob”

You know what a “Flash Mob” is? Well, this is a “Cash Mob.” Join the mob of people at Kaleidoscope Toys and help support locally owned businesses. Be here this Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 2pm. Everyone will enter together at 2:00pm sharp and basically “mob” the place. Be prepared to spend $20 (or more if you like).

If you don’t have any children to buy for, Kaleidoscope toys is collecting donations for the Christ Child Society. They will be handing out Thank You Bags to participants filled with goodies from other locally owned businesses. Have fun, get to know other locally minded people in the group and thanks for shopping local.

This Cash Mob is sponsored by the Shop Local Committee of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce.