Child Care: What's Hot Now: home alone

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home alone Dec 31st 2011, 11:04 Question: When is my child old enough to stay home alone? Letting an older child stay home while you run a quick errand or even for an hour or two after school until you get home from work is often more cost-effective and practical than trying to find child care. With appropriate rules and maturity level, a home-alone arrangement can work. However, there are numerous safety and inappropriate behavior pitfalls to avoid as well. So, what age is considered safe? Answer: With a seemingly endless list of safety concerns, many conservative parents and caregivers will strongly argue that kids should never be left home alone. While sound advice, it may not always be practical. Finding ways to reduce child care costs and kids who think they are too old for after-school care are leading reasons many families allow their older elementary-age or middle school kids be home alone after school. In many cases, the arrangement works well for families who are facing tough economic times or when it is only for a short period of time. But child experts also warn that "latchkey kids" are the ones who are most apt to get into trouble when home alone, as there are opportunities to initiate inappropriate online communications, watch television shows you would never allow, experiment with drugs or alcohol to pass the time, or even to put themselves in harm's way with strangers. With all that said, if you choose to allow your child to stay home alone, experts recommend that kids entering middle school can most likely handle the responsibility effectively. If you plan to begin allowing your child to stay home alone after school, introduce the arrangement as a phase-in process, where you gradually allow increased opportunities for your child to demonstrate readiness. For example, you might try running a quick errand or going to the grocery store and ask your child to check in with you every 15 minutes by phone. Knowing that your child can safely and accurately call you and talk with you is a first step in the right direction. From there, you can gradually increase the time home alone until you both are comfortable with the situation. Parents should also establish a check list that your child must follow. For example, you will most likely want your child to call you the minute he is home so you don't worry he got in the house safely. You'll want to have a written set of safety rules (such as doors locked, don't answer the phone unless it is a parent or approved family member, no unsupervised computer use, and to get all homework done). You'll want to set the ground rules, and then make sure your child understands them and agrees to them. Of greatest importance is not allowing your child to answer the door, play outside in the front yard or talk on the phone (which could also tie up the phone line in the event of an emergency), and to never tell anyone that he is home alone. You'll also want to establish specific rules about food. You will probably feel safest if you don't allow your child to cook any food in the oven or stovetop (microwave is typically okay). You don't want to worry about accidental cooking fires or burners getting left on. Parents should know that the home-alone trial stage can be misleading. The arrangement typically goes extremely well with both parent and child, often because both parties very much want the situation to be a success. The danger comes when a child has become quite comfortable with being home alone and begins to crave even greater independence. Boredom can also breed the temptation to have a friend over, go outside in the front yard, or take a quick walk. That's when the potential for danger or trouble escalates. Experts warn that the tween and early teen years are when most parents typically agree to letting a child stay home alone. However, adolescence is also entering the picture and with it the desire to test rules and challenge authority. Because of the increased risks, many schools and city recreation programs have after-school activities (either for a very minimum cost or even free) to avoid tween/teens from going home to an empty house. If you choose to let your child stay home alone, Keep that in mind that you'll need to keep your guard up and be extra vigilent in looking for clues that important rules have not been broken while the parents are away. Kids often capitalize on the fact that working parents come home stressed and exhausted, and aren't careful in checking for details about whether homework was done and that all rules were followed. Finally, try and find a neighbor who is aware your child will be home alone. Ask him to keep a discreet eye on your home (and your kid) and to call you if any no-no behaviors or actions are noted.

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: What to Ask a Babysitter

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What to Ask a Babysitter Dec 31st 2011, 11:04 Before you choose your child's babysitter, consider first asking any/all of these important and relevant questions. Answers provided should make you feel comfortable and confident in leaving your precious youngster(s) in the care of someone else. This parent-friendly babysitter checklist can be conveniently printed out for quick reference when considering a prospective babysitter for one-time, occasional or ongoing child care needs. And, don't forget about checking references before you seal the deal! Questions to Ask a Prospective Babysitter Have you babysat previously? If so, please describe your experience. Have you received any specialized training for child care (such as first aid/CPR, attended a babysitter course, or taken related school courses)? Do you regularly work/volunteer with kids? If so, please describe (such as helping out with young dance classes, serving as a sports assistant, etc.). Are your immunizations current? Do you have any health restrictions that could affect your ability to babysit? (Yes, it really is okay to ask this question. For example, if you have three cats and the candidate is terribly allergic to cats, then this could be a problem. Or, if you have someone who can't access stairs but the kids' beds are on the 2nd floor, you need to know that before making a hiring decision. Is there an adult or family member nearby in the event of an emergency whom you could contact? (This question is relevant if you are considering using a teenager or person who does not drive.) Why do you enjoy working with children? What activities will you plan with my kid(s) when I am gone? (Ask this question to determine whether the potential babysitter plans any games, crafts or child-friendly activities in your absence.) What age children do you most enjoy? Least enjoy? Why? Which age group are you most comfortable/experienced with? What are your overall child care philosophy? (Yes, you can and should even ask this of a teenage babysitter.) Do you know how to change a diaper...and are you comfortable with changing even the really messy kinds? Do you know how to administer medicine? (If your child has a cold, for example, and needs some medicine or is on oral antibiotics, you want to make sure the babysitter is comfortable in not only giving the proper dosage, but doing so safely.) What will you do if the kids aren't getting along (or worse, fighting)? How will you handle separation anxiety (if this is a potential issue.) Ask these questions if the potential babysitter will care for more than one child and if "missing parents" is a likely concern. What will you do if my child won't mind you or exhibits bad behavior such as biting? (This is an insightful question to determine how the potential babysitter processes the question and provides you with an answer. This also provides insight on disciplinary approaches.) Under what type of situation would you call me? (Ask this to determine how a potential babysitter would rank a "need" or emergency.) Are you comfortable being in my home at night or for an extended period? (Some people get nervous about being in someone else's home after dark, for example.) Do you know how to prepare a simple meal? (Don't assume a person knows how to properly use an oven or microwave.) Do you know how to feed an infant? A toddler? Do you know what to do if a child chokes? (You want to hear things like the sitter being knowledgeable about never to prop a bottle or heat it up in the microwave, or to feed a youngster uncut grapes, for example.) What is your hourly rate of pay? What hours and days of the week are you available to work? (Ask if there are any particular times/dates a potential sitter cannot work.) What type of commitment will you provide me that you will honor our agreement to babysit and not cancel? (This question is particularly important if you are hiring a sitter for key holidays or busy times such as New Year's Eve.) What babysitter qualities do you have that should make me want to hire you? (A good babysitter may talk about kid activities or art projects already planned, fun and games, a strong sense of humor, etc.) What was your worst babysitting experience, and why? (See how the candidate worked through the problem.) Do you have a list of references? (If you have not already spoken with someone about the babysitter beforehand, be sure you call and talk with references before entrusting a person to care for your child.) What can I do as a parent to help make your babysitting experience with my kids a success?

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Pros and Cons to Decisions

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Pros and Cons to Decisions Dec 31st 2011, 11:04 Should you or shouldn't you start your youngster in kindergarten in the fall? Parents are increasingly mulling over the decision based a child's birthdate, social skills, or overall readiness. "Redshirting" a kid, as often describes the practice of holding a child back to develop stronger academic readiness, is utilized for kids with late birthdays and social immaturity. Its merits are debated, and parents need to ultimately decide what is best for their kid. Age Should Be Considered If your state says a child must be 5 by a certain date and your child just barely makes the cut-off, this could be a reason for waiting a year. Children with birthdays in the latter half of the year, and particularly for boys, are often held a year from starting kindergarten. But experts urge that age should not be the only consideration used. Many young kids are ready to begin school, while older ones may not be. Kindergarten Readiness Ready or Not? Consider Kindergarten Readiness Tests or Screenings If you're unsure, ask your child's preschool teacher to administer a kindergarten readiness screening. There are tests available that parents can do with their own child as well. Some schools even screen kids and offer some thoughts to consider when making the important decision as to whether to start kindergarten or wait a year. Consider attention span, motor skills, socialization, overall behavior, independence, and interest in learning. Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten? Preschool Tips at a Glance Parent Teacher Conference Is The Ideal Time To Learn About Your Child Find Out School Expectations School expectations can help parents make informed decisions. Consider whether the kindergarten program is full-day or half-day, for starters. Are there clearly-defined academic expectations? Some programs have a more strenuous kindergarten curriculum including reading, basic math, and logic, while others focus more on "soft skills" the first year and transitioning from home to school. Consider a Transition Approach Some parents see kindergarten as a "one-two" plan. A child's first school year is spent in a private, half-day or even transition kindergarten program. A child then attends a full-day kindergarten program at public/private school, hopefully with the advantage of the transition year and entering school with more academic readiness and self-confidence. Some programs are specifically geared for 5-year-olds who are delaying school one year. Be Open to Repeating Some educators urge parents in doubt to go ahead and let the children enter kindergarten, but with an open mind that their child could possibly repeat the year. Why? With a different teacher the next year, the child still receives a full-year of academic instruction and will gain a year of self-esteem and readiness to boot. There is typically little-to-no social stigma with repeating kindergarten; kids are often all too happy to get to do so. Emphasize Positives of Kindergarten to Child Children should be told what they can realistically expect to do and know in kindergarten. Parents should not sugar coat the experience as all fun and games. Kindergarten does offer lots of social development, but self-control, academics, phonics, math and even basic science concepts are often included as well. Kids will make new friends and will start their path of academic learning this first year. Beginning Kindergarten: A Bittersweet Milestone Ways To Strengthen The Relationship Between Parent and Child Keep Kids Safe During 'Breaks' From School Routine Ask How You Can Reinforce Learning at Home Teachers emphasize how vital parental participation is in their child's learning, and never is there a time more important to be involved than with kindergarteners and early reading. If your child seems to be struggling, ask for specific advice as to how you can help reinforce basic learnings at home. Spend dedicated "homework" time with your child every night to start them on the right path of learning. Keep it positive, and reward strong focus and attention to detail. Reading Activity: Making It Fun For Kids When Kids Fail: Parents Can Help Create Learning Experience Choose the Right After-School Program Follow Your Gut Instinct In the end, parents know best for their children. If you think your child is ready, then go for it! If you have nagging doubts or have received feedback from a child's provider or pre-school teacher that your child may be too socially and academic immature to begin kindergarten, carefully consider that advice as well. The key is to make decisions that provide your child with the best chance to succeed throughout school and life, and deciding to hold or go is only one step along the way.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Reluctant Readers

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Reluctant Readers Dec 31st 2011, 11:04 What exactly is a reluctant reader? There are several different types according to the experts. They include: children who are intelligent and interested in reading, but don't read well; children who seem to have no interest and, as a result of not reading regularly, are falling, or at risk of falling, behind; and children who are dealing with specific learning problems that impede their ability, and willingness, to read. Then, there is the most frustrating type of all: the child who reads well but has little interest in doing so. If your child is a reluctant reader, whether a second grader or a sixth grader, what can you do to encourage him, or her, to read? Fortunately, there are a number of resources that are available to assist you. Encouraging Your Child to Read Since the only way most children can get to be good readers is to read regularly, it is important to encourage your child to read from the beginning. Joyce Melton Pagés, Ed.D, provides some helpful learning tips, including setting up a home library, reading aloud to your child, and using poetry. The importance of reading aloud cannot be overemphasized. By reading aloud to your children, you are emphasizing the joy of reading, introducing them to new vocabulary words and ideas, expanding their knowledge, and learning more about their interests. Often, hearing a story can pique a child's interest in learning more by reading independently. At some point, you might pick books at, not above, your child's reading level, and take turns reading portions aloud to one another. Australian librarian Annette Dumars stresses the importance of reading for enjoyment. Dumars points out that instruction books for computer games, comic books, joke books, newspapers and magazines can all be used to encourage reading. Like several others, she emphasizes the importance of reading nonfiction books for pleasure, sharing poetry, and going to the library regularly. The most important role a parent or other caring adult can play is as a good role model. It's hard for a children to believe in the importance of reading if there are few books in the home, they never see their parents reading, and they never go to the library. Reading for enjoyment is not enjoyable for children if they are forced to read. It's important to help your children find books at the appropriate reading level on subjects that interest them. Once you find books, you can pique your children's interest by reading the first chapter to them. You might also want to take turns reading. If the book is sufficiently interesting, you may find your children reading ahead on their own. Selecting Appropriate Books In order to select books appropriate for your child, it helps to know what to look for in choosing books for your reluctant reader. These include the book's vocabulary, sentence length and complexity, appearance, including the size of the print, and its interest level. If you need assistance in selecting books, there are many online booklists and other resources for reluctant readers. There are also publishers who specialize in hi-low books. For example, Capstone Press specializes in high interest/low reading level nonfiction books, which are often used in classrooms. The books are written for grades 2-3 and grades 3-4 reading levels, with content of interest to students in the fifth grade and higher. You can buy an entire series or individual books. The books are illustrated with photographs and cover topics that are particularly appealing to kids. Titles include The World's Wildest Roller Coasters, Horseback Riding, In-Line Skating,Sharks, Motorcycle Police, and Ghosts and Poltergeists. Tea Leaf Press has several high interest, low reading level series for upper elementary to middle school and higher students who read at the grade 3-5 level. The Deer Lake, series for students in grades 4-5 has a grade 3 reading level. The Bayview High, series is for students in grades 7 and up who are reading at the grade 5 level. The humorous Nate's Journal, series is for students in grades 4-6, with a grade 3 reading level. Orca Book Publishers publishes fiction for the reluctant reader, with an emphasis on fiction that will appeal to boys. Orca Currents is middle school fiction with an interest level of ages 10-14 years and a reading level of grades 2.5-4.0. Orca Currents, teen fiction for the reluctant reader with an interest level of 12 and older and a reading level of grades 2.4-4.0, includes Accelerated Reader selections.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Winter & Snow in Picture Books

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Winter & Snow in Picture Books Dec 31st 2011, 11:04 Young children love the story of Katy, a big red crawler tractor who saves the day when a huge snowstorm hits the city. With her big snow plow on, Katy responds to cries of “Help!” from the police chief, the doctor, the superintendent of the Water Department, the fire chief and others with “Follow me,” and plows the streets to their destinations. The repetition in the story and the appealing illustrations make this picture book a favorite with three- to six-year-olds. The illustrations include detailed borders and a map. For example, a border with illustrations of the City of Geoppolis' trucks, diggers, and other heavy equipment surrounds an illustration of the Highway Department's building where all the vehicles are kept. A map of the City of Geoppolis with lots of red numbers on it includes a border of numbered illustrations of important buildings in the city that match the numbers on the map. Virgina Lee Burton, the award-winning author and illustrator of Katy and the Big Snow, won the Caldecott Medal in 1942 for her picture book The Little House, one of my childhood favorites. Burton's Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is another family favorite. Compare prices. (Houghton Mifflin, 1943, 1973. ISBN: 0395181550)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Gardening in Picture Books

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Gardening in Picture Books Dec 31st 2011, 11:04 These children’s picture books about gardens and gardening celebrate the joys of planting seeds and bulbs, cultivating a garden, and enjoying the flowers and vegetables that result. It's hard for young children to imagine that the little seed they planted will grow into a beautiful flower or a favorite vegetable. It almost seems magical, as is the effect gardens can have on people. These children’s picture books about gardens and gardening includes books for children from two- to ten-years-old. 1. Planting a Rainbow Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber I’ve found that children four and older, as well as adults, want to go out and plant a rainbow of flowers after enjoying this book by Lois Ehlert. A mother and child “plant a rainbow,” beginning with bulbs in the fall and seeds and seedlings in the spring, and ending with a beautiful garden of flowers in a veritable rainbow of colors. The book’s striking design and Ehlert’s gorgeous cut-paper collages of flowers make this a particularly appealing book. (Voyager Books, 1988. ISBN: 0152626107) 2. The Carrot Seed Ruth Kraus’s classic little picture book for two- to five-year-olds is a delight. The spare and simple line drawings are by Crockett Johnson, well-known for Harold and the Purple Crayon. A little boy plants a carrot seed. Despite being told by his entire family that the seed won’t grow, the boy perseveres. Every day, he carefully weeds and waters the area where he planted the seed. A plant grows, and one day, the boy is rewarded with a big orange carrot. (HarperCollins, 1945. ISBN: 0064432106) 3. The Gardener Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber During the Depression, young Lydia is sent to the city to stay with her Uncle Jim, a reserved, somber man, “until things get better.” She brings her love of gardens with her. The text, in the form of Lydia’s letters home, and the double-page artwork by David Small joyously illustrate how Lydia creates gardens that transform both the neighborhood and her relationship with Uncle Jim. I recommend the Caldecott Honor Book for six- to 10-year-olds. (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1997. ISBN: 9780374325176) 4. City Green Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber What happens when a diverse group of city neighbors works together to rid their street of a litter-filled vacant lot? How young Mary, Miss Rosa, and their neighbors transform the vacant lot into a community garden of flowers and vegetables makes an interesting and realistic story. Author and illustrator DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan’s artwork in watercolor, pencils, and crayons captures the transformation of the lot. I recommend the book for six- to 10-year-olds. (HarperCollins, 1994. ISBN: 068812786X) 5. Flower Garden Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber It’s nice to see a book about how a family living in a city apartment creates a garden. A little girl and her father go to the grocery store and buy flowering plants. Then, they take the bus back to their city apartment. There they plant a window box as a birthday present for her mother. Eve Bunting’s charming story is told in rhyme and illustrated with lovely realistic paintings by Kathryn Hewitt. This book has been a hit with three- to six-year-olds. (Voyager Books, 2000. ISBN: 0152023720) 6. The Surprise Garden Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber Three young children plant a “surprise garden,” using seeds of varying shapes, sizes, and colors. Since they don’t know what kinds of seeds they have planted, they have no idea what kinds of plants will grow in their garden. Carefully watering and weeding the seeds, they create a lush vegetable garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Shari Halpern’s cut-paper collages of the children cultivating the garden and Zoe Hall’s story will appeal to 3-6 year olds. (Scholastic, 1999. ISBN: 0590100769) 7. The Garden of Happiness Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber Barbara Lambase’s oil paintings, alive with the rich color and movement of city life in a diverse neighborhood, add drama to Erika Tamar’s story of a little girl named Marisol and a new community garden. When Marisol plants a seed she’s found, it grows into a giant sunflower, to her neighbor’s delight. Her sadness when the sunflower dies in the fall is forgotten when Marisol sees the beautiful mural of sunflowers that teen artists have created. (Harcourt Brace, 1996. ISBN: 0152305823) 8. Growing Vegetable Soup Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber Author and illustrator Lois Ehlert’s cut-paper collages are bold and colorful. The story of a father and child’s vegetable garden project is told in rhyme. While the text of the story is brief, each of the plants, seeds, and gardening tools illustrated is labeled, making this a book that’s fun to read aloud and then read through again identifying everything. The story begins with the planting of seeds and sprouts and ends with delicious vegetable soup. (Voyager Books, 1990. ISBN: 0152325808) 9. Sunflower House Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber This picture book by Eve Bunting is sure to inspire three- to eight-year-olds to plant their own sunflower houses. Lovely realistic illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil by Kathryn Hewitt complement the rhyming text. A little boy plants a circle of sunflower seeds in the spring. By summer, the boy has a “sunflower house” where he and his friends enjoy many hours of fun. When fall comes, both birds and children collect and scatter seeds. (Voyager Books, 1999. ISBN: 0152019529) 10. And the Good Brown Earth Cover Art Courtesy of PriceGrabber Author and illustrator Kathy Henderson’s mixed media artwork adds humor and charm to this picture book for three- to six-year-olds. Joe and Gram plant and cultivate a garden. Gram works methodically while Joe explores and learns, each helped by “the good brown earth.” They dig in the fall, plan in the winter, plant in the spring, weed and water in summer, and gather produce and feast in late summer. The repetition in the text adds to the book’s appeal. (Candlewick Press, 2003. ISBN: 9780763638412)

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Childrens Music: Holiday Bieber Fever

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Holiday Bieber Fever Dec 30th 2011, 18:12 Everyone under the sun seems to have released an album of Christmas tunes, and this Canadian YouTube sensation has thrown his yuletide hat in the ring, as well. Justin Bieber's Under the Mistletoe is a fair offering of Christmas-related originals and classics, full of slow jams, fingersnap snare drums, and multitudes of vocal rolls. Songs like "Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas" and "Christmas Love" are cute enough, but "Silent Night" is difficult to sit through and "Drummer Boy" is just plain weird. Under the Mistletoe won't win over any new Justin Bieber fans, but his devotees will love it. Read a full review of Justin Bieber's Under the Mistletoe Image Courtesy Island Records

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