Friday, November 2, 2012

Support for children during stressful events

Sudden disasters, such as hurricanes and severe storms, can create anxiety and fear in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers online resources to assist child care providers and parents in caring for children during stressful events.

Disaster Preparedness to Meet Children Needs
http://www2.aap.org/disasters/adjustment.cfm

Children Product Recalls

Eddie Bauer Bassinets
About 97,000 Eddie Bauer rocking wood bassinets have been recalled because the bottom locking mechanism can fail to lock properly if a spring is not installed, allowing the bassinet to tip to one side and cause infants to roll to the side of the bassinet. This poses a suffocation hazard to infants. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bassinets and contact Dorel Juvenile Group to obtain a free repair kit. Call toll-free (877) 416-0165, or visit the website and click on Safety Notices.

ValcoBaby "Joey" boosterAbout 975 ValcoBaby "Joey" booster toddler seats for strollers have been recalled because spring button mechanism securing the booster toddler seat to the baby stroller can disengage, allowing for the carried toddler to fall. Consumers should stop using these toddler booster seats immediately and contact ValcoBaby to arrange for a free replacement attachment mechanism. Call toll-free (800) 610-7850 or visit the firm's website.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Balancing Work and Family Child Care

It is inevitable that parents have to work, and their children must go to an early learning program.  Time seems to fly by, and the days seem shorter and shorter.  It can be very tough balancing your family and work life.  The challenge I have is to try to create a little bit of time before and or after the child is dropped off at their early learning center. 

As parents you may miss out on many things durning the day, so stay a bit at the early learning center.  See what type of toys or equipment that your child is exploring.  Observe to see if your child likes to play alone or with others. Does your child like to explore with younger,older, or like age children?  Do they like to explore with boys or girl?  Is your child comfortable?  Linger a little while longer.  You may see your child in a new light, in a different environment. 

Use the resource of the early learning center teacher.  Your child's teacher gains a lot of knowledge about your child while you are are work.  Ask them how you can help them with the growth of your child.  Ask them if you can come in and help them out during their day.  The more comfortable the child's teacher is with you the more information they share with you about your child.  It is very important to gain a healthy relationship with the teacher that your child is with eight plus hours of the day.  The more time you can spend in your child's classroom, the more time you spend with your child!

It is very true that balancing family and work is difficult, but you are not the only one experiencing that.  You can also use other parents and staff you work with to help come up with ideals for balancing family and work.  In the world we live in, it is fast paced, but take time out to enjoy your family!