Child Passenger Safety Week 2013

September 15 through 21, 2013 is Child Passenger Safety Week. For more details and downloadable information for your group or organization, visit this link.

Make Summer Last Longer

I can't believe it will be the beginning of August in two days. Where exactly did summer go? It certainly seems to be flying by. I thought of one way to make your summer last a bit longer. You can preserve the fun activity of sand castle building with your child by making modeling sand. Here is the recipe:

1/3 cup flour
2T white granulated sugar
1 cup water
6 cups clean sand

Mix the flour and sugar. Add the water and stir well. Cook over low heat, stirring until the mixture looks clear. Cool until it's a comfortable temperature to handle. Mix with the sand. Knead until you have a clay like substance. You can add a bit of water as needed. You can pack this into measuring cup or other containers then invert onto a plate. We layered ours. You can sprinkle on glitter, add seashells, or post a flag as we did. Let it dry, without touching or moving for a day. It will harden and remind you of the 2013 fast moving summer!

Art Contest 2013

Does your child like to draw? Well if so, there is a wonderful art contest going on sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The theme is children's safety of course. Follow this link to read about the age categories and rules. They might just win a super vacation package!

Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

That's a question I get asked quite frequently. So here's a wonderful reference for you. Take time to read it as well as all the other great articles provided by this fantastic organization..

Summer Treats

Eating healthy in the summer can be a challege. With picnics, car trips and late nights, the regular menus are easily set aside. Healthychildren.org provides some good tips for food choices when it's just too hot to cook. Here is a recipe I found there for Kiwi ice pops that are a healthy hot weather treat. Enjoy! ++Remember NEVER to leave a child (or pet) in a car in the summer even if only a few minutes! ++

June 2013 Product Recalls

Here's the newest list of recalls. Time to check your purchases!

Craft Ideas For the Fourth of July 2013

I just found this great site that has lots of cute craft ideas. Here's the link for July 4th crafts. Enjoy!

Happy Fourth of July 2013

I hope you are ready to enjoy a great holiday with family and friends. Here in the Northeast, we are hoping for a nice day with no rain! Also, we hope that all our children stay safe. Healthychildren.org had some tips on backyard safety, as well as information on swimming pools, fireworks, and the dangers to children of lawn mowers. Follow this link and make sure you are a responsible adult. Don't forget to explain to the children in your life the historical reason for this meaningful holiday.