At a time when toys are full of lead paint and may contain date rape drug like chemicals having any idea of what Santa should bring for your little one may be difficult. Here are a few time saving gift ideas that may help:

• Game systems such as V Tech, Hooked on Phonics, L-MAX and leap pads by Leapster are wonderful educational gifts. They promote learning and still have a”video game appeal” that is non violent and fun. Children can learn to write, count, create art, and even do mathematics. These systems also usually provides age levels on the game boxes to help parents choose whats right for them.
• A wonderful and timeless gift are Legos or building blocks. Legos are great because they provide a sensory experience, enhance fine motor development, and most importantly utilize a child’s imagination skills. Lego’s come in all different styles now (pirate ships, dinosaurs etc) so whatever your nursery schooler is in to can be built! Building blocks are fun and allow for toddlers to understand the concept of logic and to practice patience!
  continue reading "Christmas Gift Ideas For Toddlers & Nursery Schoolers"

So your child loves to be social and chats with everyone on the street and you think it’s a wonderful thing…most of the time. There is that uncomfortable moment though where you notice that your 3 year old is giving out all of his personal information. How do we teach our child not to talk to strangers? This is a simple yet difficult topic to cover because we want our children to be social yet we need them to be a bit fearful. Here are a few simple tips that may help:

*Explain to your child what a stranger is. Tell them that a stranger is someone that you don’t know. Let them know that when a grown up is not around they should not talk or take anything from people they don’t know.

*Let your child know that there are nice and not-so-nice people in the world. Its okay to let your child know that not everyone wants to be their friend. As a matter of fact, its imperative that children understand this concept for their safety.
continue reading "Children and Strangers: Keeping Kids Safe"

So you have found this program that you think you want your child to be a part of but have this nagging feeling of is this program right for him? The best way to ensure this is to observe your child and ask the following questions: Does my child like large groups of children when we go to playgroups or birthday parties, or does he do better in smaller intimate play groups?

Is my child artistic? Does this program do a lot of art? Does my child love to read? Does this program have a lot of story time? Does my child love to build, or work with trains? You get the point, think of your child’s interest and match it to what the program offers. A child who loves art and creativity may not do as well in a school that focuses mostly on academic skills.

continue reading "Is This Day Care or Nursery Program Right for My Child?"

In this day and age when sending your child to school there are a few simple steps that you as a parent can do to help ensure the safety of your child: Ask if there are back round checks performed for each staff member and how often medicals are required.

Find out when the Board of Health last visited the site and find out if any violations were found, and how they were rectified.

continue reading "How to Keep Your Pre-Schooler Safe:"

There are a few telltale signs to detect if a preschool is terrible from the first time you set foot in the door. Here are a few preliminary tips that will help you avoid those horrendous schools without investing too much time and energy:

When entering a school to find out information, always walk in during class times and unannounced. When parents call in teachers know to expect some one and often act on their best behavior. Also Directors will ensure that all their best people are present, and that they are fully staffed during scheduled tour dates. The class will always look extremely clean on a tour date and will not gibe a realistic picture of the classroom environment. Even if the school doesn’t allow you to tour right at that moment walking in and being observant for even a few seconds will give you a lasting impression.

continue reading "How to Detect a Bad Preschool or Child Care Facility"

So your child has entered the wonderful world of preschool and has yet to see a day of school when his nose is not running. How can you try and avoid this perpetual runny nose ? Here are a few simple tips.

1. Find out the school’s hand washing policy. How often are the children required to wash hands and do they use soap. Do they wash hands before every meal or just at certain points in the day? After they use the bathroom? Also, teach your child how to wash their hands correctly. This will save you a few sneezy days.

continue reading "How to Prevent Your Pre-schooler from Coming Home Sick"

A nursery school teacher is easy to find… A great nursery school teacher is not. When thinking about leaving your ?precious cargo? in the hands of someone else I have the following suggestions. When meeting the teacher for the first time bring your child with you. Take notice of who she greets first. Also take notice of how she interacts with your child. Does she get down to his level? Does she engage the child in conversation? What is her body language saying?

continue reading "How to Tell if I am Leaving My Child in Good Hands…."