tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48563790059449861612024-03-05T12:56:44.101-05:00Grandma to GrandmaAs a teacher, I started this blog because I love to share favorite books, craft ideas and important safety information for children. I recommend web sites of interest to parents/caregivers and kids. Make every minute count!Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.comBlogger384125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-14933138587929799942013-11-15T16:59:00.001-05:002013-11-15T16:59:39.382-05:00Bullying is a Big ProblemYou hear, read and see it all around. How do you talk to your children about bullying and how to stop it. <a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Bullying-Its-Not-Ok.aspx">Here</a> is some information about the signs, causes and soultions to this terrible problem.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-73554816342187861852013-11-12T10:58:00.002-05:002013-11-12T10:58:26.686-05:00Products Recalls October 2013Follow <a href="http://www.safekids.org/october-2013-safety-recalls-0">this link </a>to see the new list.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-9716838579839894172013-10-27T23:22:00.000-04:002013-10-27T23:22:51.878-04:00Halloween Time 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year again. Planning for Halloween can be difficult since it requires decorating, special treats, costumes, crats and perhaps even parties, not to mention the trick or treating on that special night! I have a suggested a few of my favorite books, alongs with two easy crafts that can be done in a short period of time, with a few children or as a party activity. Halloween Books: <b>Where the Wild Thin</b>gs are by Maurice Sendak <b>Room on the Broom </b>by Julia Donaldson <b>Skeleton Hiccups </b>by Margery Cuyler and SD Schindler <b>Five Little Pumpkins </b>by Dan vaccarino <b>The Spider and the Fly </b>by Mary Howitt and Tony Di Terkizzi <b>Popcorn</b> by Frank Asch Crafts: Mummy Pumpkins- Supplies needed: a small pumpkinm gauze bandages. First I hot glued two large wiggle eyes to a spot where my three year old grandson chose. Next, using gauze bandage I bought at my dolar store, I hot glued one end to the bottom of the pumpkin. He took over, winding the gauze around the pumking, passing around the eyes. We used two rolls of 4.5 yards for a small pumpkin. I hot glued the other end to the top. It looks spooky and was done in a matter of minutes. Monster Making- Supplies needed: glue sticks, construction paper shapes. After cutting many different shapes from various colors of construction paper, I let him make monsters. Since we just read <b>Where the Wild Things Are</b>, it was apparent he was influenced by those illustrations. The possibilities here are endless. He used a glue stick and was happy to work on this project for a half hour. I can't wait to try it with my 5 year old grandaughter. These monsters would also be cute as place setting cards or the fronts of Halloween cards. Have fun and let their imaginatiosn run wild! <br />
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<br />Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-13652811351152229702013-10-10T16:26:00.000-04:002013-10-10T16:26:03.271-04:00Ideas For LunchPreparing healthy lunches for kids to take to school is easy. Preparing healthy lunches ofr kids to take to school that they will actually EAT, is a challenge. Here are some tips I recently heard:
1-Use 100% whole grain bread
2-Let them build it. Send is slices of cheese, veggies and chicken with assorted crackers and them them make their own combos.
3- Experiment with different veggies and dips so they can try new tastes. Plus dips imply yummy snacks.
4- Add slices of fruit to their water bottles. It will add flavor but no sugar.
5- Prepeel fruit like oranges to make it easier to eat. Apples can be slices and rubber banded back together to keep pieces from browning.
6-Use fat free Greek style yogurt with honey to make a dip for fruit.
7- Use a peeler on veggies to make interesting ribbons and curls. The kids might think it's more fun that way.
8- Adding some colorful sprinkles to yogurt won't add many calories but will add interest.
9- Use large cookie cutters in fun shapes to cut sandwiches. Don't be square any more!
10- Don't forget good old fat free popcorn for a quick snack,
11- For a fun trail mix, use 2 cups goldfish, 2 1/2 cups cheddar mini-pretzels, 1 cup dried fruit like apples or cherries, and 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts. Bag them up in 1/2 cup portions.
12- Find a great recipe for home made healthy chips <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/potato-chips-50400000118975/">here.</a>Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-71150161520677812272013-10-10T16:08:00.004-04:002013-10-10T16:08:59.367-04:00Product Safety Recall Sept. 2013Follow <a href="http://www.safekids.org/september-2013-safety-recalls-0">this li</a>nk to see the list of recalls of children's products for September.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-47151066144262023682013-09-26T15:10:00.000-04:002013-09-26T15:10:35.029-04:00Healthy Sleep RoutinesAre you still having trouble getting your child into a healthy sleep routine for school? Well <a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Bedtime-Routines-for-School-Aged-Children.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token">here </a>is an article from the experts to give you some successful tips.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-16868806279972572212013-09-16T17:58:00.000-04:002013-09-16T18:02:55.562-04:00The Best RideThe best ride for your child is one that is secure in the correct car seat. September 15-21, 2013 is Child Passenger Safety Week. You can make sure you have the right seat for your child's height, weight,and age by following <a href="http://www.safercar.gov/therightseat">this link</a>.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-6062265405726334102013-09-05T14:14:00.001-04:002013-09-05T14:14:28.512-04:00August 2013 RecallsGo <a href="http://www.safekids.org/august-2013-safety-recalls">here </a>to find the list of recalled products for last month. Share with other paretns and caregivers too.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-12054363953719013622013-08-23T15:31:00.002-04:002013-08-23T15:40:25.990-04:00Back to School 2013It's that time again. My, how fast the summer came and went! Here are some tips to get back into the school groove or to get off to a good start for the Kindergartners. 1- <b>Start now to get on the correct time schedule</b>. Even though kids have adjusted to being up late and sleeping in, now is the time change back to "school time" so it can be a gradual adjustment. It will take a week or so for the body to shift into early nights and mornings especially since it is still staying light out fairly late into the evenings.
2. <b>Start choosing snacks and lunches.</b> The first week on school is NOT the time to try new, easy, packable lunches and snacks. I don't want to recall the number of them I saw thrown into the trash because the kids didn't like Mom's selections. Let the kids start sampling now so you can make a list of what will work. Choose healthy things that are easily make the night before or quickly in the morning. Also, don't forget to let the kids give you some ideas. They will tell you what they will eat. You can compromise on the suggestions to some degree and post the list so you can add to it as the year goes on.
3. <b>Start reviewing the basics</b>. If you have let the kids slack off on reading and math for the summer, now is the time to getting the brains in gear. Tell them to spend some time each day <b>reading.</b> You can decide what amount of time is age appropriate but even the little ones can spend 15 minutes looking at books. Don't forget to keep up with the read aloud bedtime stories.
For<b> writing </b>practice, have them write (including texting or messaging) a relative or friend some fun things they did during the summer or things they are looking forward to this year.
<b> Math concepts </b>can be practiced in a game format while doing household chores and routines. For example: If we use a knife, fork and spoon at each place setting tonight, and have 5 people in the family, how many pieces of silverware will we need? Another example would be-"Let's use our shoes to make a pattern- sandal, sneaker sneaker, sandal, sneaker, ?, what comes next"? or "Which of these containers holds more water? Lets put in into the bathtub tonight and you can see."
Whatever you choose to do, remember to start now and keep it fun. Beginnings matter, so make sure your child gets off to a good start. Good luck!
<b>Here are some books you can look for in your local library, bookstore, or online</b>: For younger children- <i>Simon Starts School </i>by Sharon Pierce <i>Starting School </i>by Franzesks Ewart <i>Starting School </i>by Allan Wahlberg <i>School Starts Today </i>by Carolyn Hayes For older kids- <i>Starting Gate </i>(a Saddle Club title) by Bonnie Bryant <i>Starting School </i>by Johanna Hurwitz <i>The Boys Start the War </i>by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-69835846323956357662013-08-20T13:48:00.004-04:002013-08-20T13:48:50.774-04:00Do Backpacks Equal Backaches?It's that time of year again when families start the back to school shopping. There is always a long list and so many products from which to choose. Besides getting the best price, how can you get the best products? Well, as a rule I always suggest that parents try to purchase the specific item the teacher has recommended. The teacher has had lots of experience with many different types of school supplies and usually knows what works the best and lasts the longest. When it comes to backpacks though, teachers don't usually give too much feedback. Children can really develop backaches from carrying ill fitting and over stuffed backpacks so<a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Backpack-Safety.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token"> here</a> is an article to help you make that all important decision. Happy shopping!Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-2441948919781171532013-07-31T13:18:00.000-04:002013-07-31T13:19:52.264-04:00Child Passenger Safety Week 2013September 15 through 21, 2013 is Child Passenger Safety Week. For more details and downloadable information for your group or organization, visit <a href="http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/cps">this link</a>. Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-12162303305187690052013-07-29T17:53:00.000-04:002013-07-29T17:53:22.729-04:00Make Summer Last LongerI 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:<br />
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1/3 cup flour<br />
2T white granulated sugar<br />
1 cup water<br />
6 cups clean sand<br />
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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!<br />
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Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-36343145410864288892013-07-29T17:32:00.000-04:002013-07-29T17:32:02.125-04:00Art Contest 2013Does 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 <a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Enter-for-a-Chance-to-Win-in-the-AAP-Art-Contest.aspx">this link</a> to read about the age categories and rules. They might just win a super vacation package!Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-41500168378566383562013-07-23T16:26:00.003-04:002013-07-23T16:27:45.987-04:00Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?That's a question I get asked quite frequently. So <a href="http://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/child-development/my-child-ready-kindergarten#overlay-context=learning-and-development">here's</a> a wonderful reference for you. Take time to read it as well as all the other great articles provided by this fantastic organization..Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-52284778898923464992013-07-17T16:21:00.002-04:002013-07-17T16:27:03.543-04:00Summer TreatsEating 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. <a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/chop-chop-magazine/Pages/Kiwisicles.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token">Here</a> is a recipe I found there for Kiwi ice pops that are a healthy hot weather treat. Enjoy! <span style="background-color: red;">++Remember NEVER to leave a child (or pet) in a car in the summer even if only a few minutes! ++</span><br />
<br />Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-81863291128810174432013-07-02T19:40:00.002-04:002013-07-02T19:40:12.666-04:00June 2013 Product Recalls<a href="http://www.safekids.org/june-2013-product-safety-recalls">Here's</a> the newest list of recalls. Time to check your purchases!Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-22167234934682490512013-07-02T19:37:00.000-04:002013-07-02T19:37:00.065-04:00Craft Ideas For the Fourth of July 2013I just found this great site that has lots of cute craft ideas. <a href="http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/july-4/index.html">Here's the link</a> for July 4th crafts. Enjoy!Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-73506024071904888562013-07-01T11:20:00.003-04:002013-07-01T11:20:56.725-04:00Happy Fourth of July 2013I 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 <a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token&nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token">this link</a> 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. Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-13158534887581439292013-06-06T17:42:00.003-04:002013-06-06T17:44:08.363-04:00May 2013 Product Safety RecallsFollow <a href="http://www.safekids.org/may-2013-product-safety-recalls">this link</a> and check your purchases for recalls.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-62585537564182062432013-06-04T11:14:00.000-04:002013-06-04T11:18:09.438-04:00Sand PlayIf you are fortunate enough to live close to a beach, I'm sure you and the kids in your life have learned the fun of playing in the sand. Many of us are not so lucky and visits to the beach are few and far between or not at all. I am always on the lookout from every source for fun ideas for the kids during summer vacation and here is a great one.<br />
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Make your own <em>sculpting sand:</em><br />
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Clean play sand (available at most home improvement stores)<br />
corn starch<br />
water<br />
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Mix together the sand and cornstarch at a ratio of 3:1 (12 cups of sand and 4 cups of cornstarch for example). After it's thoroughly mixed, add about 3 cups of water. Mix slowly adding water until it is a good consistency and packs nicely. Store in a plastic pail with a tight fitting lid. You can always add more water when it starts to dry up too much or starts to get dirty. Now, build, build, build!<br />
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Here are some good books to give you ideas:<br />
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<strong><em>Sea, Sand and Me</em></strong> by Patricia Hubbell<br />
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<strong><em>Super Sand Castle Saturday</em></strong> by Stuart J. Murphy<br />
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<strong><em>Sand Castle Bash: Counting from 1 to 10</em></strong> - Jon Scieszka's Trucktown Series<br />
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<strong><em>Sisters Are For Making Sandcastles</em></strong> by Harriet Ziefert<br />
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<strong><em>Sand and Surf</em></strong> by Tanya ProvinesGramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-79114331428750442312013-06-04T10:54:00.003-04:002013-06-04T10:54:28.158-04:00Ideas For Teaching Bright ChildrenThere is a new book that was just released that has some really excellent ideas for teaching bright children. There is an opportunity to ask questions of the author too. Follow <a href="http://www.naeyc.org/event/challenging-exceptionally-bright-children">this link</a> to find out more.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-76382197132210172102013-05-29T18:32:00.000-04:002013-05-29T18:32:37.809-04:00June 2013 Books and Craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are some book suggestions for this month's theme of Butterflies:</div>
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<em>From Caterpillar to Butterfly</em> by Deborah Heiligman</div>
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<em>The Butterfly</em> by Patricia Polacco</div>
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<em>When the Butterfly Came</em> by Kimberley Griffiths Little</div>
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<em>The Lamb and The Butterfly</em> by Arnold Sundgaard</div>
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<em>Butterfly Kisses</em> by Bob Carlisle</div>
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<em>A Butterfly is Patient</em> by Dianna Hutts Aston</div>
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<em>Angelina and The Butterfly</em> by Katharine Holabird</div>
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<em>Little Butterfly</em> by Happy Books (board book)</div>
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Materials Required:</div>
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Plastic spoons</div>
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Unused coffee filters</div>
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wiggle eyes</div>
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hot glue</div>
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markers</div>
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Directions:</div>
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1-Color designs on the coffee filters with different colored markers. The filter paper will spread and mix the colors. A slightly damp filter will add to the blending. (Crayons can be used as well but you don't get the blending of colors)</div>
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2-Crimp the middle of one filter with your fingers and lot glue to the back of a plastic spoon right where the bowl of the spoon meets the handle.</div>
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3-Glue the eyes to the bowl part of the spoon and draw the mouth.</div>
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4- Body sections can be drawn on the handle sections too.</div>
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5-Spoons can be placed into flower pots for decoration. Hot glue different lengths of cords or heavy thread to the tops of several spoons and tie to a branch to create a lovely mobile for a porch. </div>
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These were made by my 5 yr. old grand daughter. She wants to make lots more!</div>
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Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-44063171872777522842013-05-16T12:21:00.001-04:002013-05-16T12:21:03.891-04:00Transitions<a href="http://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/child-development/saying-good-bye-preschool-and-hello-kindergarten">Here</a> is a wonderful article from NAEYC with tips on making the transition from pre-school to Kindergarten. Learn how to remove stress and make it an exciting time.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-34295948240111571482013-05-15T16:07:00.001-04:002013-05-15T16:31:41.525-04:00Get Ready For Summer Fairs!Even thought the weather here in the northeast US has been uncommonly chilly the last few days, I know that the warm summer will be here before you know it. Along with that comes a variety of county fairs and festivals and day trips to amusement parks. My husband and I always try to take the grand kids to some because we all enjoy them so much. The kids of course love looking at all the 4H animals sand exhibits but equally enjoy the rides. Although I personally do not like to go on rides, I do let the five year old go on a carefully selected few. Yesterday, in my local paper, there was an eye opening article about "kiddie rides." According to this <i>Scripps Howard News Service </i>article, more than 92,000 children under the age of 18 were treated in emergency rooms from 1990-2010 as reported in the <i>Journal Clinical Pediatrics</i>. On average, every three days during the months of May through September, the injuries sustained required hospitalization. So, here is a list of rules to consider when enjoying amusement park rides: <br />
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A. Follow all age, height, weight and health restrictions <br />
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B. Avoid mall or arcade rides if they're on a hard surface or don't have safety requirements. <br />
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C. Make sure children use safety bars and seat belts and keep their hands and feet inside the ride. <br />
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D. Be sure your child is mature enough to follow the rules on any ride. Otherwise, keep him or her off the equipment and do something else. <br />
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Don't spoil a family outing with an accidental injury. Have fun and enjoy every minute.Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856379005944986161.post-84130807133535505412013-05-10T12:14:00.002-04:002013-05-10T12:14:48.620-04:00Mother's Day Project 2013Here is the Mother's Day project I made with my grandkids to give to their mom.<br />
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I had purchased some flats of flowers for my garden and let the kids choose their favorites. There are these special makers I got at AC Moore's Craft store which are designed especially for drawing on terra cotta. <br />
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The kids really enjoyed using them and they weren't as messy as I thought they might be. The pots were dry in a few minutes and we headed outside to plant. We had so much fun, I decided to use the markers to decorate some of my own pots! To all the mother's and mother-like caretakers out there, have a wonderful holiday!Gramrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01537111759117773647noreply@blogger.com0