Do you remember each and every Christmas gift you received as a child? In my family, I am noted as the person with the most “long term memory,” but even I can only remember a handful of them. What I do remember most about Christmases’ past is the day spent with extended family, the pretty […]
Holiday Food Safety
Family and friends gather for holiday celebrations this time of year. Unfortunately food safety does not take a holiday. Follow some simple rules to keep your party safe: CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often while preparing a holiday meal. Wash cutting boards, dishes, and utensils with detergent and water after preparing each food item and […]
Giving After Getting
It seems to be a lost art to send or give a Thank you note. When was the last time you received one? However, after all the gifts this time of year we can give back to others by thanking them for their gift, time, company, and/or help. A thank you can be a gift […]
Talking to Your Children about Violence and Tragedy
Tragedies like the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT evoke many emotions—sadness, helplessness, anger, confusion, and anxiety. Children may wonder if their home, school, and community are safe, although they may not necessarily verbalize their concerns. Parents and caregivers can help children understand these concerns by allowing them to ask questions and […]
Make Your Holiday a Special Time
Amidst the holiday decorations, music, special events and the “to do” list I trust that you are savoring some time for yourself to look for the good things and absorb the special moments with your children. It might be a good time to take a look at the things on the list and evaluate the […]
Top 10 Toys for Infants and Young Children
In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, here is a top 10 list for Infants and Young Children from the blog of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), found here. Here’s My Top 10 Toy Ideas for Infants! 1. Measuring cups and spoons to shake, rattle, and roll 2. Plastic containers to stack, […]