Daily Activities Building Healthy Families

Apple Eruptions

For a great fall spin, on a classic science experiment try making Apple volcanoes with your kids.  BHF tried it out at a recent Fall Family Event and it was definitely the favorite activity of the day!

Materials: Per Reaction

·         1 Apple hollowed out

·         1 Tbs. Baking soda

·         1 Tsp. Cinnamon

·         ¼ cup Vinegar

·         Food Coloring

What To Do

1.    Using a spoon, hollow out the middle of an apple.

2.    Have children mix cinnamon into Baking soda to create a fall smelling reaction.

3.    Add a few drops of food coloring to the vinegar.

4.    Have child pour the baking soda/cinnamon mixture into the cored apple.

5.    Slowly pour vinegar into the apple and watch it erupt!

 

Communication Building Healthy Families

Building Healthy Families Early Learning

Car Seat Mistakes You May Be Making

Thanks to the staff at Parents Magazine for this great article on car seat safety.

Here is a sobering truth: every day we lose 4 to 5 children in car crashes. They are the leading cause of death for kids in this country and yet most of us are completely untrained in the best way to keep our kids safe from them: by properly installing a car seat. But, don’t beat yourself up. What looks like just another piece of shiny, plastic baby gear is actually a sophisticated and complicated piece of safety engineering, and sometimes it takes an engineering degree to use it properly. Here are three common mistakes and some ideas to fix those problems.

Mistake #1: Picking the wrong seat for your child's age, height, or weight
 The fix:
1.  Research seats to find one that fits your child’s age, weight, and height.
2. Check the manual and measure your child’s growth periodically so you know when it’s time to move on.
3. Never buy a used seat. There’s no way to know for sure if it has been in an accident, and even seats that have been in the family may be missing parts, or expired. Car seats generally have expiration dates six years after manufacturing.

 Mistake #2: Not installing your car seat correctly
 The fix:
1. Read BOTH your car seat’s manual and your car’s manual.
2. Decide whether you will use the lower anchors OR a seat belt, and follow the directions for only that method.
 3. When you’re done, hold the seat where the vehicle or LATCH belt is holding it and really give it a good tug. It should move no more than one inch in any direction (side to side or front to back).
4.Keep the instruction manual for the seat in the storage compartment located on the seat (almost all have them). Keep the car manual in your glove compartment so you can always find it.

 Mistake #3: Getting rid of the booster too early
The fix:
1. They should pass the 5-Step Test created by SafetyBeltSafe USA.
2. Even if a child is technically big enough, make sure he also has the maturity to stay seated in the belt in a safe way—not slouching, or putting the shoulder portion behind his back.

3 New Lunch Box Ideas

Are your kids excited to head back to school, yet dreading the same only PB&J in their lunchbox?  Try one of these exciting, healthy lunch ideas from Real Simple as you send your kids back to the classroom.

1. Classic Chicken Soup

2. Pasta with Peppers and Mozzarella

3. Thumpers Wrap Sandwich

Back to School Transition Tips

Getting a new school year off to a good start can influence children’s attitude, confidence, and performance both socially and academically. The transition from August to September can be difficult for both children and parents.  Here are a few suggestions to help ease the transition and promote a successful school experience from the NASP (National Association of School Psychologists).

Good physical and mental health. Be sure your child is in good physical and mental health. Schedule doctor and dental checkups early. Discuss any concerns you have over your child’s emotional or psychological development with your pediatrician. Your doctor can help determine if your concerns are normal, age-appropriate issues or require further assessment. Your child will benefit if you can identify and begin addressing a potential issue before school starts. Schools appreciate the efforts of parents to remedy problems as soon as they are recognized.
 
Review all of the information. Review the material sent by the school as soon as it arrives. These packets include important information about your child’s teacher, room number, school supply requirements, sign ups for after-school sports and activities, school calendar dates, bus transportation, health and emergency forms, and volunteer opportunities.
 
Mark your calendar. Make a note of important dates, especially back-to-school nights. This is especially important if you have children in more than one school and need to juggle obligations. Arrange for a babysitter now, if necessary.
 
Make copies. Make copies of all your child’s health and emergency information for reference. Health forms are typically good for more than a year and can be used again for camps, extracurricular activities, and the following school year.
 
Buy school supplies early. Try to get the supplies as early as possible and fill the backpacks a week or two before school starts. Older children can help do this, but make sure they use a checklist that you can review. Some teachers require specific supplies, so save receipts for items that you may need to return later.
 
Re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines. Plan to re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines (especially breakfast) at least 1 week before school starts. Prepare your child for this change by talking with your child about the benefits of school routines in terms of not becoming over tired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. Include pre-bedtime reading and household chores if these were suspended during the summer.
 
Turn off the TV. Encourage your child to play quiet games, do puzzles, flash cards, color, or read as early morning activities instead of watching television. This will help ease your child into the learning process and school routine. If possible, maintain this practice throughout the school year. Television is distracting for many children, and your child will arrive at school better prepared to learn each morning if he or she has engaged in less passive activities.
 
Visit school with your child. If your child is young or in a new school, visit the school with your child. Meeting the teacher, locating their classroom, locker, lunchroom, etc., will help ease pre-school anxieties and also allow your child to ask questions about the new environment. Call ahead to make sure the teachers will be available to introduce themselves to your child.
 
Minimize clothes shopping woes. Buy only the essentials. Summer clothes are usually fine during the early fall, but be sure to have at least one pair of sturdy shoes. Check with your school to confirm dress code guidelines. Common concerns include extremely short skirts and shorts, low rise pants, bare midriffs, spaghetti strap or halter tops, exposed undergarments, and clothing that have antisocial messages.
 
\Designate and clear a place to do homework. Older children should have the option of studying in their room or a quiet area of the house. Younger children usually need an area set aside in the family room or kitchen to facilitate adult monitoring, supervision, and encouragement.
 
Select a spot to keep backpacks and lunch boxes. Designate a spot for your children to place their school belongings as well as a place to put important notices and information sent home for you to see. Explain that emptying their backpack each evening is part of their responsibility, even for young children.
 
Freeze a few easy dinners. It will be much easier on you if you have dinner prepared so that meal preparation will not add to household tensions during the first week of school.