Parenting 101: Teaching Kids About Germs – Explaining the Immune System to Kids
Human beings live with and are surrounded by billions of bacteria and viruses. Some are good and help our bodies, but some make us sick. Lucky for us — and not so lucky for the bad bugs — getting into the human body is not easy. These bug invaders will try to get through in many ways: through the skin, nose, mouth, ears or eyes.
Thankfully the body’s immune system has incredible defense mechanisms designed to keep the invaders out: the skin is thick and hard to penetrate; the nose has cilia (little tiny hairs) and goopy mucus that trap dirt and bugs; the eyes have tears that wash them away; and the mouth produces saliva and other chemicals the bugs do not like.
These are the immune system’s first line of defense. Occasionally, bug invaders do break through this line of defense and enter the body, and when that happens the body works in even more amazing ways to protect itself.
The brain sends an alert signal out to the immune system. This signal triggers inflammation, which causes the blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow. When this happens, a team of white blood cells, or leukocytes, flocks to the scene of the crime.
There are many types of white blood cells, including macrophages, lymphocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils. The different white blood cells all have different jobs and come from different areas in the body such as the thymus, spleen, or bone marrow. They can travel through the blood but usually travel through a special system designed just for them, called the lymphatic system.
Once at the invasion site, the white blood cells get to work doing their special jobs. The macrophages will eat up the invaders, and the lymphocytes will not only help destroy the invaders but will remember and recognize them, in case a similar bug comes in for a future attack. White blood cells are like little warriors floating around in your blood waiting to protect you from any virus or bacteria enemies.
To help the immune system stay strong and healthy, it is very important to eat healthy, balanced meals full of colorful fruits and vegetables, and not too much sugar. The invaders love sugar as it makes them grow stronger and even multiply. It is also essential to get plenty of sleep, have fun, laugh a lot, and be happy!
For children to learn more about the immune system, Dr. Heather has created an elementary curriculum that follows her award winning story in the human Body Detectives series, The Lucky Escape. To bring the curriculum into your child’s school visit the Human Body Detectives website.
From our Readers: How Do you Balance your Work Life and your Family Life?
Dr. Seuss tells us “that Life’s a Great Balancing Act” and no one knows this more than entrepreneurial moms! As we are constantly juggling several balls in the air at the same time, striking a balance between our work life and family life is always front and centre in our daily lives.
So we wanted to know: How Do you Balance your Work Life and your Family Life?
Heather Lopez Happy and Healthy Mom /Super Mom Entrepreneur Conference & Expo
“By wearing sturdy shoes on the tightrope. But seriously, every day is a new day. Sometimes you ROCK everything, get it done, & reach the other side. Sometimes you wobble a litttle or even fall off. What matters is that you get back on and keep trying.”
Amy Charette Godiva’s Toy Chest
“Stay focused! I stick to the task at hand until it’s finished whether it be a work task or helping with homework. Jumping back and forth divides focus on both fronts and everyone looses (esp me). Work stuff has loose ends and the kids feel I am not truly paying attention. I schedule specific work days where my youngest goes to Nana’s house and I also plan out of the house family activities so the lure of my computer isn’t there.”
Robyn Turnbull Giddy Giddy Up and Grow
“This is a question I get asked all the time. I have 2 kids under the age of 4, and balance is my biggest issue. I work from home so a lot of the time I find my work starts to blend into my family time. I am constantly reminding myself to keep the two as separate as possible. Right now I try to limit myself to working during nap times and when my oldest is at school. I wish there was an easy, one-step answer for this question, but I bet you’ll find everyone’s answer is different and so is the solution.”
Dandy Civitarese Creative Memories
“I have two children, age 7 and 2, and have a hairsalon in the home, and I am an independent Creative Memories consultant. I take full advantage of nap time, and bed time. I keep the hairsalon to 3 nights per week, and my CM work to nap time and after bed time. Weekends/stat holidays are always kept open for family time, and I try very hard to follow the school schedule as well. I write everything down so I constantly know a good month or two in advance what needs to be done, and where everyone needs to be.”
Sheri Harke Bruneau Get it Together
“I run my own business and have two teenagers in the house. I balance my work life and home life by setting “working hours.” I could spend hours and hours on my business, but I know that my family needs me AND I need my family. This keeps my family, and I balanced!”
Tara Ogg Chaput The Foodie and the Family
“I am fortunate that my ‘work’ is my family life. I get to cook and bake all day for the people I love most. Then I get to share with others so they can do the same! My philosophy is there is always time in the day for a batch of freshly baked cookies!”
Terrill D Young Awesome Toy Box
“I use a time balance schedule, with color coding to identify family time, work time, me time and business time. It makes it easy for me to see when I get time with my family so I don’t feel guilty when I’m working as I know they are getting plenty of my attention. It also allows me to fully focus on the task I am doing, making my days more productive.”
Want to be one of our readers featured in an upcoming From our Readers? Visit our Entrepreneurial Moms facebook fan page on Wednesdays for the next From our Readers Question of the Week.
Parenting 101: Get THEM Organized – 5 Steps to Teach Your Children to Clean Their Bedroom
Having trouble getting your kids to clean their room? Give them one easy chore to complete before the next meal. Whether they’re six or sixteen, they will always appreciate your help. Join in and do some of the work with them to brighten their day if they are having a hard time.
Help your children by having them follow these simple steps:
1. Make the bed and make your day. When the bed is made, fifty to seventy percent of the room is clean because the bed is often the largest surface. Make sure to have a comforter or an easy and attractive bedspread to pull up.
2. Pick up everything from the floor and put it all away. Start at the doorway and have them pick up everything on the floor. The floor makes a great play area, but it needs to be picked up before meals and bedtime.
3. Clean the rest of the room by three categories: clothes, paper, and toys.
- Clothes: Put clean clothes away in drawers and dirty clothes in the hamper. Do this before bedtime so that you can start fresh the next day.
- Paper and books: Organize all papers into notebooks, magazine holders, or colored files. Put books on bookshelves and give away ones they have outgrown.
- Toys or favorite collections: The largest toys should be stored on the bottom shelves, and the ones with small pieces, like Legos or Barbies, should be kept up higher. Collections, however, can be displayed on dressers tops, with the front two-thirds of the dresser being kept clean.
4. Add one extra cleaning area each week.
- Desktop: Keep new pencils and paper handy for school subjects and personal interests.
- Nightstand: Make sure you have a good reading light to help the child calm down at day’s end.
- Closet: Check each clothing item with your children to see if they want to keep or give away what’s in their closet. Their sizes and tastes change often, so do this twice a year when you rotate summer and winter clothing.
5. Empty the wastebasket often. Keep a good-sized wastebasket handy and empty it often to minimize the clutter. Vacuum the floor at least once a week, too.
Spend some time together this weekend or this summer simplifying your children’s rooms. Look for opportunities to walk down the hall and say, “Katie, what a great job you did on your room!” After all, their room is their “world,” and they will remember what you did together to make it a nice place to call “Home.”
This excerpt is from Simplify Your Life by Marcia Ramsland. For book Specials and a FREE download of the “Children’s Job Chart” go to www.OrganizingPro.com.
MOMeo Gadget Guide: Handy Dandy Doo-Dads for the Beach
Planning a family day on the beach? Check out these handy-dandy doo-dads for portable beach fun!
#1. Ego iPod Waterproof Sound Case – Take your tunes to the beach with the ultra durable, ultra cool Ego iPod Waterproof Sound Case. The tiny battery-powered speakers give you 30 hours of playtime with your iPod!
#2. Twister Beach Towel Game – A new beach-friendly twist on the classic game that ties you in knots. The beach version includes a cotton beach towel and waterproof inflatable dice.
#3. Oregon Scientific EB612 UV Monitor – Wondering how much sun you got reading that gripping mystery novel on the beach? Protect yourself with this handy-dandy UV monitor. It monitors the current UV index and temperature, and calculates your recommended exposure time based on IV, SPF and your personal skin type.
#4. Sun Stop’r – Kwik Cabana II – Protect your little ones from the harmful UVA and UVB rays with the Kwik Cabana 2 sun tent. A snap to set up, the Kwik Cabana is go-anywhere sun protection.
#5. The Freeloader – Keep your handy-dandy gadget charged with The Freeloader portable solar charger. Complete with 11 adapter tips, The Freeloader can charge most portable devices, including iPods, cell phones, small cameras and GPS devices.
#6. Hamilton Beach Thermal Cooler Plus 10-Speed Blender – Margaritas anyone? Blend-to-go in the portable blender cooler designed to keep drinks cold for up to 8 hours!
#7. The M-Edge Guardian Case – If your idea of beach reading means taking your eReader AND you are a little on the clumsy side, you need this waterproof eReader case. The M-Edge Guardian Case protects eReaders in up to a meter of water and floats for hands-free reading.
#8. Kelsyus Mesh Portable Hammock – Tired of getting sand in your swimsuit? Pack the Kelsyus Mesh Portable Hammock with you! It sets up in seconds with no tools required. How cool is that?
#9. Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker – The kids will have a ball with this ice cream maker ball. No batteries required – just add ice and rock salt in one end and your ice cream mix in the other and shake it, pass it or roll it around for 10 to 15 minutes.
Did we miss any? Tells us your favorite handy-dandy beach gadgets in the comments below!
Top Ten Summer Festivals: Where to head this summer for festival fun
Gloucester Cheese Rolling Festival. Gloucester, England – Last day of May
Year after year, Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire hosts one of the world’s wackiest events, The Cheese Rolling Festival. Five races take place every year, all having the singular and all-important purpose of winning a huge piece of Traditional Double Gloucester Cheese. I know what you’re thinking: where do I sign up? Competitors have to run down the hill after the piece of cheese has been rolled and cross the finish line first. Sounds easy enough, but the steep slope makes it impossible to stay on your feet all the way down so injuries—yes, injuries!—are quite common. Granted, most of the injuries are minor, but it’s still exciting to think of The Danger™ involved. Most contestants come back to compete year after year. You know what they say: Once a Gloucester Cheese Roller, always a Gloucester Cheese Roller. Your kids will love the novelty, and the chance to talk about cheese too dangerous for them to play with.
The Inca Festival of the Topless Snake Dancer. Cusco, Peru – June 24
Technically, this is called the Inti Raymi Inca Festival of the Sun but whatever. Grab the sunscreen and get ready to honor the daddy of the Inca world–the Sun God “Inti”–during this annual one-day festival. Occurring on the Winter Solstice of the Southern Hemisphere, it’s considered the second biggest festival in Latin America, after Rio’s Carnival. The celebration gathers hundreds of thousands of people from around Peru and the world, who all come to witness the re-enactment of the ancient Inca ceremony which has roots dating as far back as the 13th century. After you have visited the Inca fortress of Saqsayhuaman (pronounced sexywoman!), you can head down to the market where yes, it is indeed possible to see topless snake dancers, some cowboys, people in bird costumes and any other myriad of festival activities.
The Vermont Quilt Festival. Essex Junction, Vermont – Last weekend in June
The Vermont Quilt Festival attracts thousands of quilt enthusiasts from around the world. New England’s oldest and largest annual quilt event offers exhibits of new and antique quilts, lectures and workshops presented by renowned quilt artists, classes for children and a colorful display of wares in its Merchant Mall. Free and informative gallery talks, free vendor demos, appraisals, and the “Booth Hop” add to the excitement. If arts and crafts are your family’s thing, then see what all the fuss is about and get your summer started right.
L’ardia di San Costantino. Italy (Sardinia) – July 5-7.
Why not head on down to Sardinia and celebrate Constantine’s victory over Maxentious at the Mulvian Bridge in 312 A.D? Lesser-known than most festivals, si, but this Sardinian festival is fraught with danger and meaning for the locals, and a great picture-taking opportunity for tourists. Constantine is reported to have seen a flaming cross inscribed with the words “in this sign thou shall conquer”. Every year, Constantine’s charge is recreated with a monumental horse race held. After many prayers, horses charge down a hill, the man representing Constantine first, his two flag bearers next, then the thundering herd close behind. And don’t miss your opportunity to mingle by an open fire where suckling pigs rotate in wood-fired ovens and live skewered eels writhe over hot coals.
Essaouira Gnaoua Music Festival: Essaouira, Morocco – June 22-25
This is just really cool. The Gnawa are the descendents of slaves originating from Black Africa who established brotherhoods throughout Morocco. They are made up of master musicians (maâlem), metal castanet players, clairvoyants, mediums and their followers. So they got together and decided to sing. The Essaouira Gnaoua Music Festival has a laidback, alternative vibe, and the music which brings together a wide range of predominantly folk, jazz and World Music greats) is so worth the trip. Pick up a Fez while you’re there and check one more thing off your ‘Cool Things to Do Before I Die’ list.
The Calgary Stampede Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Second week in July
Lauded as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, this 10-day event is more than just a rodeo. It’s the largest event in Canada and attracts over a million visitors a year. The parade is actually a CIVIC HOLIDAY and almost everyone is given the morning or the day off to see the parade. For kids, the Midway is stocked full of games and rides, and the agricultural exhibition is essentially the world’s biggest petting zoo. The entire city gets into the spirit and businesses far and wide provide free Stampede breakfasts. The Grandstand show is an impressive extravaganza featuring the Young Canadians, a dance and theatre troupe of hundreds of students aged 7 to 20. Come for the rodeo, stay for the corn dogs.
Great Northern Arts Festival. Inuvik, N.W.T, Canada – July
Tell the kids they’re headed straight to bed at sundown. Thanks to the city’s northern location, the sun never sets during the Great Northern Arts Festival, but you sure will have fun trying! Inuvik (place of people) is the homeland of the Inuvialuit and Gwich’in and other aboriginal and non-aboriginal people and cultures. At just two degrees above the Arctic Circle, Inuvik has hosted the Festival for the past 20 years. Known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, it’s a neat place to go and see a range of artists from across the north. For 10 days, over 50 public art workshops, performing arts, traditional dance, an arctic fashion show, northern film screenings, story-telling and readings. And if you’ve ever dreamed of running away with the circus, now might be your chance. It may be your only opportunity to see the ArtCirq, the Arctic Circus!
Puck Fair Killorglin, Ireland. August 10, 11, 12.
Held without fail every year, Puck Fair is considered not only one of Ireland’s most unusual street festivals, but is also one of the oldest and longest celebrated. A quick look at the website shows a programme with dubious events like the Wobbly Circus, Balloon Modelling and the Biddy Bunratty Experience. You and your children will enjoy this free festival for the a horse fair, a parade and a coronation ceremony of King Puck, open air night concerts, fireworks display, children’s competitions, street entertainers and dancing displays. And of course, you will enjoy the Guinness.
La Tomatina Festival. Buñol, Spain – Last Wednesday of August.
Return of the killer tomatoes. Oh sure. You could go to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls *or* you could bring some ratty clothes and a pair of goggles and pelt strangers with tomatoes in Buñol. Nobody really knows how the world’s largest food fight got started, but the Tomato Festival has been a strong tradition since 1945. Some 275,000 pounds of ripe tomatoes are available for about 30,000 people to throw at one another. Opportunities to act like a ruffian abound! It may not be the same as getting chased by an angry bull, sure, but it’s gotta be up there. Just remember: it’s all fun and games until somebody gets a squirt in the eye with some tomato juice. Do we really need to explain why your kids will love this?
Burning Man-Blackrock Desert, Nevada, U.S.A – September
This festival is not for everyone. This ultra-alternative gathering celebrates self-expression, self-reliance and art as the center of community has gone mainstream in recent years. You don’t need to make sculptures out of garbage, drive a car powered by vegetable oil or have solar panels on your roof to attend, but…wouldn’t hurt. Either way, Burning Man is the antithesis of traditional corporate sponsorship-mad festivals. It’s also not Woodstock. Contrary to what you might think, it’s also very family-friendly, with dozens of games and events specifically for kids. Held in the middle of the Nevada desert, the flat plain becomes a virtual community for a week, with off-beat art exhibits, music performances and all sorts of random mayhem. Random mayhem! One thing you won’t need for this festival, believe it or not, is MONEY. Burning Man actually runs on a full barter system and the only things you can buy are water and ice. Even cooler, the festival culminates with the burning of a massive, building-sized effigy.
Don’t forget we love to hear from you–Let us know what fabulous festival you and your family look forward to every summer!
In Praise of the One Day-Cation: Daytrips for every interest, budget, size, and locale
Does this sound familiar, MOMeos? You’re exhausted and your kids are driving you nuts. You need to find something to do with them, but you don’t have a lot of time or money. These 10 daytrips are manageable, easy to organize, inexpensive and can be done no matter where you live:
- HIKING: Head to your nearest State/Provincial or National Park. Chances are, there are plenty of destinations within close driving distance with fabulous hiking and walking trails. Activity guides provide ideas for which hike will suit you and your family best. If this isn’t up your alley, try some other outdoor pursuits such as horseback riding, skiing, river rafting or rock climbing.
- COUNTRY PICNICS: Okay, you take your kids to the neighborhood or city park all the time. For a change of pace, why not pack up the cold cuts and blanket and go for a drive in the country? Make a day of it by combining the drive and the picnic with a visit to a nearby waterfall. Kids love waterfalls and it makes for a great family photo op.
THE ZOO/AQUARIUM/WILD ANIMAL PARK/PETTING ZOO: If you’re lucky enough to live near a world-class facility – and you know which ones they are – then this is an obvious choice. But most cities, even towns, have some kind of zoo or animal park. Never underestimate children’s fascination with watching animals live and in person.- HISTORIC SITES: Find out more about the history of your region. Be it dinosaurs, First Nations, pioneers, or information about early growth and the building of your community. Some places will have hands-on activities or neat, interesting and unique things that your kids can learn, eat, or do.
- CONSERVATION AREAS/SANCTUARIES: Check in your area for nearby river gorges or areas with fossil beds, bird or butterfly sanctuaries, conservatories or botanical gardens, rock gardens or aquariums. Try one day trip per month and turn it into a fun, family tradition that your kids will start looking forward to.
- THE BEACH/THE LAKE: Seek out sunshine and sand! If you can’t find that, get yourself close to some water. Build sand castles, gather sea shells, hang on the pier, go fishing, walk on the boardwalk or meander along the shoreline. This is relaxing, quality time at its best.
- FESTIVALS: Check your local event guide for a host of different fairs or festivals. Community days, music, parades, plays, recreation shows – there’s always something happening.
- CANOE TRIPS: Check out the island in the middle of the lake, or canoe across the lake to the ice cream parlour. If canoes aren’t your thing, bring your mountain bikes and scoot through the forest or ride along the lake or country dirt road. Kids love to go exploring!
- VISIT ANOTHER TOWN: You might be surprised at the charm you find in some of the outlying towns and villages around you. Find out the town’s claim-to-fame. Is it a great sandwich, an unbeatable cup of coffee, a quirky museum or some other attraction? In Vegreville, Alberta, , the town’s claim-to-fame is the World’s Largest Easter Egg. At the very least, you can say you’ve seen it.
- LEAVE THE KIDS AT HOME: Need a day trip sans kids? Find a babysitter, or drop them off at the grandparents and have a private getaway with your better half – or on your own. Take in an art studio tour, a film festival, a winery or brewery tour or the much-loved spa day, or a trip to a hot springs, get yourself out of town.
Log onto Day Trips & Excursions in the USA for a complete list of more specific daytrips in your area.
Do you and your family have a favorite ‘Day-Cation’? Leave us a comment–we love to hear from you!
Beat Summer Boredom: 10 Creative Do-It-Yourself Backyard Adventures
Beat summer boredom with backyard adventures. With a little imagination, and household materials, you can transform your boring backyard into an ultimate fun zone for kids.
#1 Go Long!
Keep your cool this summer by playing Sponge Football. Grab a sponge, dunk it in water and go long! It’s the perfect activity for a crew of kids so invite a few friends and split into teams and let the games begin.
#2 It’s a Three-Ring Circus
Thinking of sending your wild animals off to join the circus? Why not let them build one? Grab hoola-hoops to stage the attractions and let your child’s imagination run wild! Dress up as clowns, magicians or exotic animals.
#3 Confounding Contraptions
Chances are you have some gadgets laying around that don’t work. Grab a few screw drivers and pliers, and invite your child to dissect the machine. Not only will they learn about how it works, but it’ll keep them occupied for hours.
#4 Go Camping
Pitch the tent in the backyard, grab a few sleeping bags and let the adventure begin! Pretend you’re millions of miles away from the busy city, tell ghost stories and make S’mores. It’s all the fun of camping but with the convenience of indoor plumbing just steps away.
#5 Water Fight
Fill up the water soakers, balloons, buckets and whatever else you have handy, and declare a water fight. Not only will they burn off energy, but inadvertently, they’ll help water your garden.
#6 Blow Bubbles
Kids of every age are endlessly fascinated with chasing bubbles. Stock up on bubble solution or make your own with a simple mixture of 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap to 1 cup of water.
#7 Green Thumb
Visit the local garden store and let your child pick out a plant pot and seeds. Sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, lavender seeds, or whatever else catches their eye. Kids love watching their little seeds grow!
#8 Four!
Take a look in your garage for stray items to construct a mini golf course – extra boards, bricks, pipe, empty cans, buckets or whatever else you find. No pint-sized golf clubs? No problem – use a plastic bat or the cardboard tubes from wrapping paper!
#9 Lawn Bowling
Hunt inside your recycling for aluminum cans and set them up on one end of the yard. Grab a large plastic ball and see if anyone can get a strike. The best part of lawn bowling: no gutter balls.
#10 Disco Dance Party
Load your iPod with favorite high energy tunes and hook it up to an outdoor stereo. Do you dare have a dance off? Break out the Mash-Potato, the Twist and learn a few new moves from your kids.
Tell us your favorite Backyard Adventures! What do you do to beat summer boredom?
MOMeo’s Top 2010 Family Vacations
Holiday decorations have been packed away, resolutions made – and for some already broken – as the New Year wears on, so does the need for personal renewal.
A family vacation – whether taken on a warm, sunny beach or in the halls of one of North America’s most interesting museums – is one of the best ways to achieve just that. For many MOMeos, finding the perfect destination is just another chore on the already overwhelming to-do list.
This year we have made it as simple as 1, 2, 3. Decide which type of vacation suits your family best, choose from our list of top destinations and pack your bags – relaxation awaits.
Surf, Sand and Seafood
The beaches of North America are as varied as her coastlines. From the heat, sun and fine white sands of Hawaii’s best beaches to the wild, hike-worthy beaches of the Pacific Northwest and south, the seashore offers something to every type of family. For some, that means soaking up some rays, or relaxing among grassy dunes, or beachcombing for treasures.
A Slower Pace
For families looking to step back in both time and pace, Amish Country, Pennsylvania and the not-so-wild west of Montana and 
Wyoming are excellent choices.
The quaint inns of Amish country and the simple, charming dude ranches of the west offer rest of a different kind. Cozy up around a campfire, saddle up and work cattle or indulge in good Amish cooking and entertaining theater.
Either way, enjoy a momentary break from the fast-paced world. Immerse yourself in a slower, simpler time. One when work was still hard, but deadlines perhaps a little less rigid.
Shop Until You Drop
For shopaholics, there’s no better vacation than one spent around some of the continent’s best shops.
The shiny storefronts of the Big Apple, Chicago and Hollywood will remain, but it’s possible to find a more family-friendly shop-mosphere. Check out the quirky independent districts of San Francisco and Toronto, but the flea markets in Shipshewana, Indiana may just reign supreme.
A Winter Wonderland
For some, “vacation” means escaping snow and ice. For others with the right gear (and attitude) the white stuff is reason to
celebrate.
Strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis and trek across any one of many winter wonderlands. Hit Colorado’s slopes in skis, snowboards and tubes as a family for faster-paced fun.
The Great Outdoors
Mother Nature has given us much to admire. Redwood forests, a Grand Canyon, and the vast wilderness that spans much of Canada and Alaska.
In 2010, why not consider admiring her works from within? Mammoth Cave – and many others – located in Kentucky, offers a glimpse at Nature’s underbelly.
Fun in Learning
Do you love learning as a family? Can’t justify a school-free week for the kids just after the holiday season? Combine family fun 
and learning by visiting one of North America’s most history-rich cities.
Consider Washington, D.C. ripe with national monuments and museums. Its only rival? Montreal, Quebec, one of the most beautiful and history-rich old towns outside Europe.
No matter the destination or itinerary, the key to a successful vacation is enjoying time with family. Takea technology break, soak in your surroundings and engage wholly in whatever you choose.
Survival Essentials for the Cold and Flu Season
It’s that time of year…cold and flu season and if I’ve learned anything from the Boy Scouts (and truth be told this is probably the only thing I’ve learned from them), it’s to always be prepared!
Essentials for the Wee Ones
#1: First Aid Kit – Stocked with the fever fighting, tummy calming, and general ickiness stopping essentials!
#2: Electrolyte Drink (or Powder) – Because dehydration is one of the biggest threats to sick little ones.
#3: Sleepy Time Bath – Find a commercial product or just add a few drops of lavender and eucalyptus essential oil to the tub!
#4: Gummy Vitamins – Look for whole food vitamins instead of synthetic.
#5: Throat Pops – Kids love suckers so why not use that to sooth a sore throat?
#6: Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child – An amazing resource loaded with information, tips and how-to’s for every type of ailment.
#7: Warm Buddy – Because there’s nothing more soothing than a warm (or cool) teddy when your little buddy isn’t feeling well.
(And for Mommy, there’s a Warm Buddy Shoulder Wrap)
Mommy Essentials
#1: Neti Pot – Ahh…instant relief from sinus congestion! (Yes, we know it’s kinda gross, but it works)
#2: ColdFX – One of the only natural remedies to undergo scientific testing that proves its effectiveness at fighting colds and flu. How cool is that? Oh…and it works.
#3: Ginger Tea – Even better if you have fresh ginger to make your own ginger tea. And while you are at it, throw a
tablespoon in a hot bath before bed.
#4: The HOT Stuff – Cayenne pepper tablets, fresh chilies, salsa…whatever clears your sinuses!
#5: Buckleys – What can I say, “It tastes awful, but it works!”
#6: Muscle Rub – And a loved one to apply it to your achy muscles!
#7: Ingredients for Sickie Soup: chicken stock (or bouillon cubes), noodles, soy sauce, minced garlic (fresh or from a jar, but none of this dried business), Worchestershire sauce and cayenne pepper!
And just in case…a stash of your favorite chick-flicks to watch propped up in bed!
Pre-schoolers Sometimes Sing the Back-to-School Blues Loudest
When a big sibling heads off to school, it may cause big problems at home
When Tania Martinez-Hepburn’s daughter Maia started half-days in Kindergarten last fall, the whole family had to adjust.
Since Maia’s grandma or a nanny had always looked after her while her parents worked, the spirited five-year-old wasn’t used to a scheduled day. “The structure was hard for her at first,” says Martinez-Hepburn.
But Maia’s little brother, Simon, experienced even greater anxiety over the new changes: “he was miserable,” his mom says.
Martinez-Hepburn says Simon had “massive meltdowns” when his older sister –his constant companion and favourite playmate – boarded the bus in the morning.
“He wanted to get on too,” she says. “And he would refuse to hug her.”
“To a three-year-old, it’s a huge deal.”
Simon’s tearful mornings started everyone’s day off on the wrong foot. “I had to drop off Maia, and then drop Simon off…and then I’d have to go to work with him upset. It was horrible.”
“He would refuse to hug her.”
Parenting speaker Kathy Lynn says this problem is common for families straddling the age gap between children of preschool and school age.
“Older kids tend to take the lead,” says the author of two parenting books, Who’s in Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I’d Ever Have to Leave Home.
“The younger ones are confused. They’re not used to (independence).”
Prep Work
Lynn says the first step is to lay the groundwork well in advance:
“For any big change like this, you should be preparing ahead of time.” In the weeks before school starts, Lynn says parents should arrange play dates for the older child or ask a friend to pick him or her up at the same time as when the school day will begin.
“The more we can make things a process, the easier it is,” she says.
Developing Interests
Lynn speaks not only as a professional, but also a mother of two grown children 14 months apart in age. She remembers when her daughter Chelsea was off to school and son Foley was still at home.
To help him adjust to his sister’s absence, Lynn focused on Foley’s budding interests:
“My son loves to be in the kitchen, he always has. Our mornings were spent in the kitchen.”
It was easy to distract Foley when she offered him the simple pleasure of stirring dry ingredients for her recipes. Eventually, he worked all the way up to kneading bread dough.
Martinez-Hepburn says something similar worked for her son as well. Simon and his nanny began sharing a special activity, such as a craft, every morning. He soon looked forward to this time meant just for him. The morning meltdowns stopped.
Independence Days
Lynn says parents and caregivers can sometimes fall prey to melodramatic tears, and should be wary of making too much of this transition:
“Sometimes (children) are throwing a tantrum because it works.”
“Number one, don’t get yourself tied up in knots,” Lynn says. “Spending some time alone is healthy and acceptable (for children).”
Ultimately, Lynn says “a kid’s boredom is his problem. It’s only your responsibility to make sure options exist for them.”
The possibilities include news toys, art supplies and play dates, but Lynn strongly recommends researching potential preschools.
Besides soothing parents’ worries about an unhappy preschooler, she stresses the number of benefits for younger sibling’s own growth.
“It prepares them for school,” she says. “It encourages them and teaches them. They’re also meeting other kids.”
Lynn says a preschool that encourages strong parent participation is optimal: “I like them the best because there’s also a place for the parents to engage. Kids love that.”
For more information, go to Lynn’s website at www.parentingtoday.ca.
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