Fun at Aimee's Playhouse

Examining the World Through a Magnifying Glass.

2008-06-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Dancing with Rainbow Streamers!

2008-06-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Candyland!!

2008-06-23T16:10:00.001-07:00

skills: listening, taking turns/social, math concepts (counting, what comes next, colors, numbers). Yeah!

Feather Duster Prints :)

2008-06-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

Cosmetics Database: How Harmful are Your Toiletries?

2008-06-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/splash.php?URI=%2Findex.php

Not just for Mom's. It's a free database that lists everything from foundation and lip gloss to shampoo and baby products based on harmful ingredients. Each product is given a number rating from 0 (the safest) to 10 (7-10 usually have ingredients that have been known to cause cancer and other illnesses). Plus, there is a handy parents guide just for kids products.

How does your closet rate?

Enrollment for Fall!

2008-05-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

We are signing up for the Fall! We currently have 1 opening for an infant (ages birth to 2), and for a child ages 2 to kindergarten. Please contact us @ 813-0062! We have lots going on this Summer; please stay posted :) for details about our program please visit our main site at: http://0664719.tripod.com

Thanks and we hope you enjoy our posts!

Watering Plants

2008-05-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today's Fun in the Sun!

2008-05-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Planting Seeds for a Mothers Day Project

2008-05-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

Watercolors!

2008-05-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

Health Fact Sheets for Parents/Families

2007-12-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

Click here for fact sheets from the California Child Care Health Program on various health topics

Tips on Preventing the Spread of Colds/Viruses.

2007-12-17T13:55:00.001-08:00

Chances are most of us are indoors, breathing the same air with the heater on. Germs spread like wildfire in heat.

Here are some tips for families and friends to reduce the spread of illness; because we all want to be able to celebrate the holidays in good health.

1. Wash hands frequently. Hand washing is the #1 way to prevent the spread of germs. Those same germs act as hitch hikers on hands, making their was to things such as noses, eyes, mouth.

2. Reduce the heat in your house if possible; 63-65 degrees. If it seems too cold, add extra clothing. As stated before, the heat promotes the growth of germs.

3. Keep surfaces clean; soap, water and a diluted bleach solution are the best way to kill germs.

4. Keep your living space as ventilated as possible; an overhead fan on low with a window cracked are possible suggestions to keep air flow going.

5. If the heat is on; keep the air moist so that nasal passageways do not dry out. When the lining of the nose is dry, the chances of getting sick are greater. The use of a humidifier can help when the environment is dry.

6. Spend sometime bundled up outside enjoying the season. Less time indoors means less time inhaling the same stale air.

Ear Infections. They are NOT contageous.

2007-12-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

I like to offer family and friends information from time to time that may be of assistance especially concerning health issues. However, since I am not a health professional and have only aquired my facts from various trainings and classes, once in a while I will provide a link which can provide further information on a topic.

Please >>click here<<
to read about ear infection facts.

In all cases, it is best to contact your pediatrician for the most reliable and current medical info.

Creating a Holiday Wreath From Our Hand Prints

2007-12-10T19:47:00.001-08:00

Lacing Beads and Peg Boards

2007-12-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

Caught in the Act; Friends Cooperating.

2007-12-05T20:07:00.001-08:00

Making Holiday Sun Catchers...

2007-12-05T20:07:00.000-08:00

Math Games.

2007-12-02T21:56:00.010-08:00

Mouse/cheese shape match box, seriation (arranging pieces in order) game and mouse color shape match game.

Our Friends Today...

2007-12-02T21:56:00.009-08:00

Our Friends Making a Mouse Head Band.

2007-12-02T21:56:00.008-08:00

Circle 12/4/07

2007-12-02T21:56:00.007-08:00

Today's letter is "J," we played a game; each person said their first and last name when they caught the bean bag, We had a felt board story about mice who ran out of a house, counting, month and weather recognition, shapes, sign language symbol for "Mouse" and colors!

Making a Mouse Nest Collage.

2007-12-02T21:56:00.006-08:00

Storytime Draws a Crowd!

2007-12-02T21:56:00.005-08:00

Mouse Shape Match Game.

2007-12-02T21:56:00.004-08:00

Caught in the Act; Friends Cooperating!

2007-12-02T21:56:00.003-08:00

December 3rd Thru 7th 2007. Lesson Plan.

2007-12-02T21:56:00.002-08:00

Weekly report (12/3 to 12/7/07) Name: ____________________
Letter “J” Color: White Number: “9” theme: “nice mice”

Monday: circle: Letter “j” Days of the week song, counting 1-3. Discussion: introduce the sign language symbol for “mouse.” where do mice live? We work with children identifying their first and last names and identifying their names on a flash card. Language: We invite children to try to write names, pencils, paper and cards with their names on them are provided. Music & movement: letter “J“ rhyme. Mouse maze (we create a maze and invite children to enter. Arts & Crafts mouse nest collage. math: mouse shape match box.

Note to family: Please see the handouts given at pick up.

Tuesday: Circle: Discussion: what do mice eat? , days of the week song, counting 1-4, weather & month recognition. music & movement: song/finger play: mouse in my house.
Game: “mouse, mouse where is your cheese” (Children guess who is holding the cheese). Math: Chef‘s cheese: children are invited to match cheese cut outs based on sizes. language: Book of the month: a house for mouse. arts & crafts: Make a Mouse ear head band!
Wednesday: Circle: Greeting: toss a bean bag to a friend, that friend says their name. What noises do mice make? Are they noisy or quiet? Days of the week song, month/weather counting 1-5. music & movement: Song: hickory, dickory dock, the mouse ran up the clock.
Arts & crafts: wax paper sun catcher (holiday ornament). language/social: Clocks and alarms: children learn about a clock, what it is for and listen to the alarm. We can pretend to be sleeping and wake up to an alarm (props: sleeping bags, blankets, clock).

Note to family: ideas for this week: visit a pet store to see mice, or check out a mice book from the library. A good mouse book is : if you give a mouse a cookie.

Thursday: circle: Discussion: what do mice do in winter? . Days of the week song, letter “H“ rhyme and flash cards month and weather recognition, calendar, counting 1-6. music & movement: Song: itsy bitsy mouse song. Bowling game. Arts & crafts: Our friends create a stuffed mouse. language: Directions: we use the mice we made during arts + crafts time to practice positional concepts such as up, down, place your mouse on. . . (head, knee, etc.)
Math: Game: chef‘s cheese: children arrange cheese cutouts based on sizes.

Friday: circle: mice are around us in different ways: can anyone name mice from cartoons or books? (stuart little, mickey mouse, maisy mouse, etc). Days of the week song, month/weather recognition counting 1-7. We look at some of the pictures of mice in stories. We talk about the difference between them and real mice music & movement: “how are you” song. Game: cat and mouse (tag). arts & crafts: finger print mice: children are invited to make fingerprints, draw mouse features (ears, tails, whiskers). Dramatic play: Continue “Clocks and alarms“ from wednesday.

Note to family: Have a great weekend.

We are on menu #1 this week. Please see our blogsite for pictures of some of the activities we are doing this week. Thanks everybody!

Making Oat Bran Muffins :)

2007-12-02T21:56:00.001-08:00

Sorting Nuts!

2007-12-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

This weeks theme and lesson plan

2007-11-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

Weekly report (11/13 to 11/16)
Letter “h” Color: brown Number: 8 theme: “Exploring thanksgiving”

Monday: circle: Letter “H” Days of the week song, counting 1-13. Discussion: what is an immigrant? What is a pilgrim? Music & movement: Song: Sail the mayflower. Arts & Crafts children are invited to make a boat from playdough. dramatic play: “learning at the library“ props: table library cards, stamps, ink, books and newspapers. sensory: boats at the water table.

Tuesday: Circle: Discussion: what grows here at home? Indians helped settlers learn to grow food and survive the winter, days of the week song, counting 1-14, weather & month recognition. music & movement: song: the first thanksgiving. Share a chair (musical chairs). Math: pie pieces, Children place numbered paper pie pieces in a pie tin. language: The story of the first thanksgiving (make a book).

Wednesday: Circle: Wampanoags are the native american tribe that lived in Plymouth when the settlers arrived. There are many different native american tribes in the us. Days of the week song, month/weather recognition, calendar. music & movement: “the first thanksgiving“ fingerplay. Parachute fruit game (a friend runs under the parachute when their name is called and they grab a piece of fruit and say what it is. Arts & crafts: Dream catchers. Children are invited to create a feather collage after hearing the story of the dream catcher. language/social: “Harvest word concentration” (shape match with harvest symbols such as turkey, wheat stalks, corn and squash).
Note to family: Tonight would be a great night to introduce your child to dried fruit if you have any in the house (to prepare for tomorrow’s lesson).

Thursday: circle: what does thanksgiving mean to your family? Some people were not happy that settlers came; many native Americans got new sicknesses and were treated badly by some people. We are now beginning to learn more about native traditions. Days of the week song, letter “H“ rhyme and flash cards month and weather recognition, calendar. music & movement: “four eagle feathers” song. Native Americans were believed to be the inventors of pop corn. We are invited to “Pop” like popcorn. Arts & crafts: create a turkey with our handprints and feathers. Science: “why is it different”? Dried fruits and their fresh counterparts. Children learn that a long time ago people used to dry fruits and vegetables in order to eat them in the winter.
Math: “oh Nuts” sorting nuts in tins.
Note to family: To enhance today’s learning families are invited to share what their traditions are and what days are important to them. Is family coming soon to visit? Now is a great time to discuss this with your child.

Friday: circle: Saturday is national Bread day. Lets try to name all of the bread products we can think of. Days of the week song, month/weather recognition, calendar, letter “h” rhyme and flash cards. math: Hibernating bears (our friends are invited to matched colored bears to caves with corresponding colors). Cooking: lets make muffins. arts & crafts: friends are invited to make a card for someone they care about (for thanksgiving). Dramatic play: Bakery shop. The kitchen area is supplied with cake boxes, utensils, plastic foods and a cash register with play money.
Note to family: Families can continue on Saturday by visiting a local bakery or the bakery section of a grocery story for National bread day.

We are on menu #1 this week (please ask for more menus if needed.) Please see our blogsite for pictures of some of the activities we are doing this week. Thanks everybody!
http://0664719.tripod.com

A copy of this weeks report (what we will be studying)

2007-11-04T23:57:00.000-08:00

Weekly report (11/5 to 11/9) Name: ______________________
Letter “g” Color: brown Number: 7 theme: “Animals in winter”

Monday: circle: Letter “g“: flash cards, Days of the week song, month/weather recognition. Discussion: many different animals hibernate in winter. What is “Hibernation”? Music & movement: Letter “g“ rhyme. Bean bag toss. Arts & Crafts nest collage. dramatic play: Ready for winter? Cold weather clothing and pictures of winter activities in the house keeping area. sensory: hot and cold water in the sensory table.
Note to family:

Tuesday: Circle: Discussion: Some animals and insects do not hibernate in winter but move to warmer climates. Days of the week song, month/weather recognition, calendar. music & movement: “Little geese” song. Pretending to fly south like a goose! Arts & crafts: geese in flight collage.
Math: floating feathers (our friends are encouraged to catch feathers before they hit the ground. How many did we get? language: What’s missing? 3 items are shown and then covered with a blanket. Only 2 emerge. Which one is missing?
Note to family:

Wednesday: Circle looking at animals with thick fur; it helps them stay warm in winter. Days of the week song, month/weather recognition, calendar. music & movement: “sing with me“ song. Freeze tag. Arts & crafts: Watercolor resist (our friends are encouraged to create with a crayon and paint over it with watercolor. language/social: Brown hunt. Who can find brown items in and outdoors? Sensory: soft and cuddly. WE fill the sensory table with items that are soft (cotton balls, pipe cleaners, teddy bears, etc.) Math: #7 how many fingers is it? What does the number look like?
Note to family:

Thursday: circle: Squirrels and chipmunks store their nuts and acorns at this time of the year, why? Days of the week song, letter “g“ rhyme and flash cards month and weather recognition, calendar. music & movement: “five little squirrels” song. Looking for “nuts.”
. Arts & crafts: foot prints in the snow (our friends are invited to make foot prints with white paint on brown paper). Science: what happens to a seed when an animal forgets where they buried it? A sprout grows by spring. We plant seeds and look at them later this week.
Math: “Oh nuits” sorting nuts in muffin tins.
Note to family:

Friday: circle: Greeting: When winter comes it is harder for animals to find food. How can we help them prepare ? Days of the week song, month/weather recognition, calendar, letter “g” rhyme and flash cards. math: Hibernating bears (our friends are invited to matched colored bears to caves with corresponding colors). Cooking: delicious dill dip (cream cheese with dill lemon juice and parmesan cheese. Friends are invited to make and eat. arts & crafts: easy bird feeder: stringing cheerios on a piece of yarn.
Note to family:

We are on menu #3 this week (please ask for more menus if needed.) Please see our blogsite for pictures of some of the activities we are doing this week. Thanks everybody! J
http://0664719.tripod.com

What our friends have been up to!

2007-10-30T07:33:00.004-07:00

Our new chairs. Friends can hide in them and swivel!

2007-10-30T07:33:00.003-07:00

New table for dramatic play area

2007-10-30T07:33:00.002-07:00

Reading with friends

2007-10-30T07:33:00.001-07:00

Collage and paint on wooden Jack-O-Lanterns

2007-10-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Stringing foam beads on pipe cleaners

2007-10-10T13:21:00.003-07:00

Fall Notebooks

2007-10-10T13:21:00.002-07:00

Creating Fall books to journal what we notice this season.

Pre-K Group; Musical Instruments. We made the tambourines ;)

2007-10-10T13:21:00.001-07:00

Dancing and Musical instruments

2007-10-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

Creating Flowers!

2007-10-03T13:38:00.005-07:00

Memory Game!

2007-10-03T13:38:00.004-07:00

Naming Shapes As We Match Them...

2007-10-03T13:38:00.003-07:00

Friends Making a Fall Tree Collage

2007-10-03T13:38:00.002-07:00

Friends Sharing a Hug...

2007-10-03T13:38:00.001-07:00

Sponge Painting Nature Bags!

2007-10-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Crafting Picture Frames With Miss Carmen!

2007-09-20T21:16:00.001-07:00

Redwood branches as paint brushes!

2007-09-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

Thursday Picnic Lunch!

2007-09-13T13:39:00.012-07:00

Circle of Friends, Making a Circle of Friends.

2007-09-13T13:39:00.011-07:00

Our friends are making a project called "A Circle of Friends" Each child is making "Friends" that for their creation.

Rainbow Art

2007-09-13T13:39:00.010-07:00

Friends in the Junior group are using sponge brushes with water colors.

Friendship Bracelets

2007-09-13T13:39:00.009-07:00

Our Pre-K group is cutting colored plastic straws into small beads to string on pipe cleaners.

Motor Skills Activity

2007-09-13T13:39:00.008-07:00

Our friends are busy writing with chalk on patio and erasing what they made with soapy water and plastic scrubbers!

When One Activity Carries Over Into Another...

2007-09-13T13:39:00.007-07:00

What happens when you make putty from glue, starch and food color and mix it with water and plastic insects? Fun! and science... This is our Junior, or Pre-K group mixing and creating.

Fun with the "Junior" Group!

2007-09-13T13:39:00.006-07:00

Felt tip markers and paper plate shakers filled with beans!

Snack Time

2007-09-13T13:39:00.005-07:00

Fun at snack time! Carrots, broccoli, and celery with dip...

Great Ideas Grow on Trees!

2007-09-13T13:39:00.004-07:00

Miss Carmen had a great idea for fun with our friends! She and friends collected small pinecones from our trees and painted them with glitter paint and small brushes!

<--Here we see two friends sharing and helping one another. Hooray!

Water Table

2007-09-13T13:39:00.003-07:00

Even our very small friends enjoy water. As Fall slowly finds us, we are trying to find as much time with water while it is still warm.

Water Colors with friends

2007-09-13T13:39:00.002-07:00

Any activities which include water can be soothing. We are working together which builds social skills and vocabulary. We are learning about science as we mix colors and take them from a solid to a liquid with water.

Everyone looks like they're having such fun!

"Senior" Group Activities

2007-09-13T13:39:00.001-07:00

Here are our friends in the "Senior" or Pre-K group working on a kitchen utensil memory game, leadership reading (children reading to each other), and Little bears counting game.

Collage Project with Miss Carmen!

2007-09-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the "Junior" group with Miss Carmen working with pens, glue and collage materials.

Looking for Stuff to do with the Kids?

2007-07-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

Click here for a list of activities and events in the community.Be sure to scroll down for more info...

Curriculum for July

2007-07-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

To view what we are doing every day in July click here. Our themes for this month are "Ants on the go" and "Around the Campfire"

Biting

2007-06-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Biting
Biting is a behavior that is not uncommon among young children. The reasons why children bite other people differ from child to child. It is quite natural for children around one year of age to bite their parents or anyone else who happens to be within reach. Most often in this age group, children bite to reduce the pressure on their sensitive gums due to teething.
True biting, not due to teething, can become a problem with children between 18 and 30 months of age. Children at this age are often unaware of the pain that biting causes to other children and to adults.
Although it is common for children to bite others while playing, this type of behavior warrants immediate action. Not only is biting extremely painful for children who are bitten, but it often leads to more fighting within the play group. Biters also run the risk of becoming unpopular with their playmates.
Young children often bite in response to frustration, anger, or excitement. Thus, it is important for parents and caretakers to be aware of what situations lead to biting behaviors. Such knowledge may help parents better understand the causes of biting behavior.
What Can Be Done?
Biting is not something that has to be endured until children are old enough to "know better." There are many steps that can be taken to both prevent and solve biting problems.

Prevention
*Set Limits. To prevent biting from occurring, parents and caretakers should set limits before young children play together. Rules should be simple, like taking turns and sharing. Parents and caretakers should consistently enforce these rules.
*Catch children being good. Parents and caretakers should compliment children for getting along. Complimenting children will serve as a reward for good behavior. It will provide recognition to children who behave instead of to those who misbehave.
*Supervise play closely. Parents and caretakers should pay attention to what is going on in the play group. They should intervene before conflicts get out of hand. Structuring play periods may cut down on the opportunities that lead to biting.
*Watch what you teach. Parents and caretakers who use yelling, spanking, or any aggressive behavior as a form of discipline for children run the risk of teaching children that aggressive behavior is acceptable in certain situations, especially in solving conflicts. Adults who hit, yell, and/or throw things when they are mad are teaching their children to be aggressive when they are mad.

WIntervention
*Identify times when biting occurs. Parents and caretakers should observe times and situations when children resort to biting. They should use this information to change or avoid these situations. For example, if children bite whenever they play in a large play group, steps should be taken to limit the number of children in the group. Or, if children bite whenever they are with a specific playmate, steps should be taken to separate the two children during play time. If a pattern to the biting behavior is detected, the situations that lead to the biting behavior, if possible, should be avoided. It may be necessary for parents and caretakers to simplify play times, to make play groups smaller, and to make play periods shorter.
*Use brief time outs. Parents and caretakers should use a brief reprimand, such as, "No biting. Biting hurts. Time out." They should then place the children who bite in time-out. These children should be allowed to return to the play group after they are quiet and under control. Parents or caretakers should then provide positive attention, showing children who bite that there are better ways to communicate and be noticed.
*Provide alternatives to biting. Parents and caretakers should tell children what they can do instead of biting. For example, "Instead of biting when you're mad, just walk away." Or, "Instead of biting when you're mad, ask the teacher for help." Children should then be asked to repeat the alternatives back.
*Focus attention on the child who was bitten. Parents and caretakers should give all the toys, fuss, and attention to the bitten child. If children bite for attention, or to get a reaction from adults, they will soon learn that there are better ways to be noticed. If, for example, one child bites another in a dispute over a toy, the toy should be given to the bitten child. This will teach biters that biting will not bring about the desired result.
*Seek professional help for persistent biting. If biting continues to be a chronic problem despite repeated attempts to intervene, professional help may be necessary to clarify the reasons for biting and to eliminate the behavior.

What Not To Do
Biting should not be ignored in the hope that it will quickly go away. In most cases, it will not. No matter how frustrated parents become in their attempts to eliminate biting in children, biting children back to teach them a lesson is NEVER recommended. If this sends any message at all it is that adults hurt people, too. In most cases, very young children are unlikely to make any connection between the hurt they feel from being bitten, and the hurt they have caused by biting.

Things To Remember
In most cases biters cease biting as their language skills increase. As language skills improve, children become able to use words to express frustration and anger. This usually occurs around the age of three. With firmness and consistency in confronting and dealing with biting behavior, most biters get the message and quickly stop biting.
Finally, a bite that breaks the skin can cause an infection. If the skin is broken, it is important to wash the injury thoroughly with soap and water, and then apply a sterile dressing and secure it with adhesive tape. A doctor should look at the wound as soon as possible.

--Courtesy of Child Care Provider: Laura Valdez Laura’s Day Care & Preschool Lic. #60487 www.laurasdaycare. com E-mail: lauravaldez@ laurasdaycare. com E-mail: lauravaldez07@ comcast.net

Lots of Tools to Create Bubbles

2007-06-17T17:44:00.008-07:00

At the sensory table we have liquid bubble mix with lots of different types of things to make bubbles with; bubble wands, pipe cleaners, the inside of plastic toy boats, even sunglasses with th lenses popped out. Anything that has a center you can blow through can be used as a bubble maker. Parents who wish to try this a home can make bubbles with this homemade recipe:
Basic Bubble Mix. 1/2 gallon of water; 3/4 cup of joy liquid dish detergent; 1/4 cup of glycerin. Mix and let sit for at least 1 day. Store in a sealed container.

Cirlces

2007-06-17T17:44:00.007-07:00

Our shape for this week is the circle. Our friends are dipping the tops of pencils into red paint to create little circles on their paper!

Bubbles, Bubbles. Our theme for the next 2 weeks...

2007-06-17T17:44:00.006-07:00

Bubbles. Lots of jobs use bubbles. We can find them at the car wash. Here our friends have volunteered to wash the rocking horses with soapy sponges! Such hard workers...

Click the title (its a link) to view other activities that we have planned for the next two months with, what else, BUBBLES!

Bubbles, Bubbles: lots of jobs use bubbles...

2007-06-17T17:44:00.005-07:00

Our friends are exploring bubbles while washing dishes. Lots of people use bubbles in their jobs. Dishwasher is one job that uses them.

Click the title to see what we are doing for the next 2 weeks!!

New Play Structure!

2007-06-17T17:44:00.004-07:00

Tapioca with soil -A Frog Pond Simulation

2007-06-17T17:44:00.003-07:00

2007-06-17T17:44:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of friends who were very busy last week coloring and glueing in the warm summer morning. Below is our new play structure that my husband just built (right before we put the playground bark in around it). We are hoping that after the summer we will have obtained our license for a larger child care (we only have a license for a small child care at this time). Alot of effort and time has gone into what it takes to be cleared by the fire department in preparation for the change. Though we will hopefully have the license in the fall, chances are good that I will still remain a small child care until next spring, unless I can find a great assistant. :)

2007-06-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Families and Friends can click here to view what we are doing every day for the next two weeks.
This is also great for stay home parents who would like to have some planned activities to do with their children.

My apologies for not posting for a while... More pic's of our activities to come shortly!
Thanks. I hope everyone had a great Father's Day and is staying cool in the heat...

When Parents Disagree - By Patty Hone

2007-05-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

When Parents Disagree by: Patty Hone
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting would be easier if you didn't have to make family decisions? Having a partner that is not in agreement with your parenting ideas or discipline approaches is more than just frustrating. It can be a cause of division in even the best of relationships.

Furthermore, how you handle your disagreements will have a direct impact on your relationship with your partner and with your children. It would be great if every couple agreed on everything but that is an unlikely event. One partner may have been raised in a relaxed environment; another may have been raised in a very strict home.

What is acceptable by one partner may be appalling to another. It is important to discuss with your partner what your parenting objectives are. Decide what values are important to both of you. You will find that some things are more important to you than to your partner and vice versa.

Here are some steps you can do to work towards resolving parenting disagreements.
1. Discuss your parenting objectives. What is important to both of you? Sit down with your partner and decide what values are most important. Also what areas are not as important?
2. Talk about where your children are developmentally and what they are capable of understanding. Sometimes the reasons for parenting disputes are because one partner thinks that a child is capable of understanding something and the other disagrees. Knowing what your child's cognitive level is will help you to make better decisions. Do not compare your child to other children. You can use examples based on what they are capable of doing and not doing. For instance, if you ask them to get something out of their toy box, do they understand and go get it? If not expecting your child to be able to understand certain things may be unreasonable. 3. Find out what both of your parenting strengths and weaknesses are. Many times both parents want the same things for their kids. Compliment your partner on his/her strengths. Don't just point out your partner's flaws.
4. The majority of parenting disagreements are over discipline methods and when it is appropriate to discipline. One parent may think that spanking is the best method and the other may prefer time outs or something else. One of the most effective ways to resolve this issue is to talk about it. Find out the reasons why your partner feels the way he/she does. There are pros and cons to every form of parenting. Talk about why your partner thinks his/her discipline style is the better method. Sometimes talking about it will help you to see each other's point of view. 5. If the discussion gets heated, agree to disagree. Fighting about how to parent is only going to make the situation worse. Walk away, take a break and discuss it when you are not angry.
6. Plan ahead. Discuss problem situations you are having with your children. For instance, if you are having a problem with your child having temper tantrums, discuss how you think this should be handled. If you have a plan in action, it will be easier for both of you to follow each other's wishes.
7. Pick your battles. Some things you may never agree on. You don't have to agree on everything. Find the issues that are most important to you and work on resolving those first.
8. Do not argue about parenting in front of your children. This is easier said than done. The best way to handle a situation you don't agree with is not to interrupt but to wait till later and then discuss how you think it could have been handled differently.
9. Work on role modeling communication. If your children see that you communicate and problem solve together, they will grow up to do the same. Children often repeat patterns of their own parents. Look at your relationship and evaluate how you communicate. Is this the way you would like your children to communicate with their future partner?
10. Parenting and relationships are a growing process. The more you communicate the better parent/partner you will be. Learn from each other and listen to each other. Build on your parenting strengths and tackle your parenting weaknesses a little at a time. It won't happen over night but if you continue to discuss things with your partner calmly and positively you will become better parenting partners.

About The AuthorPatty Hone is a wife and mommy to three kids. She is also the owner of Justmommies.com. Justmommies is an online community for mommies to make friends and find support. Please visit Justmommies at http://www.justmommies.com. email@justmommies.com

How to Help Your Child When a Pet Dies.

2007-04-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Parents are often concerned about adopting a pet knowing that a pet's life span is shorter than humans. Will our children understand if this pet dies? Psychologists generally agree, however, that if parents help a child handle the loss of a pet well, the experience can aid them in coping with future deaths - both human and animal.

1.Be truthful with your child. Explain what has happened to the pet. If your child is too young to fully understand the concept of death, this is an excellent opportunity to tell him your views and explain the process of death. Children think that death is a temporary thing, so you will need to explain that the pet will not be coming back. Older children will need help in coming to terms with their feelings about death, as well as the loss of a beloved pet.

2.Help your child express their feelings. We all go through the same emotions when the death of someone we love occurs whether that someone is human or animal. First we may deny the death or just pretend that it doesn't matter to us. Then we will feel anger toward others or toward our lost one. We will try to analyze what could have been done differently so they would not have died. Parents need to help children vocalize their feelings and not try to deny their feelings. We should just know that each stage is a necessary step in the grieving process.

3.Acknowledge the power of grief. Grief over a pet's passing can be as powerful for adults and children as the grief over losing a close human companion. If we are accepting and understanding of this grief, it will be resolved more easily. We can offer our perspective about life and death, and the sense that these feelings change with time.

4.Don't automatically replace the pet. When we go out and substitute another kitten or puppy for the deceased one, we don't give our child the chance to deal with the reality of loss. Replacing a pet can also encourage denial. In a sense, we are saying "See, Snowball didn't really die. Here she is in another form." Let your child ask for a new pet rather than taking it for granted that they want a new one.

5.Reassure your child that she's not at fault. Children may feel responsible for occurrences in their lives because they view the world egocentrically. They need to hear that the anger they may have had toward a pet, or the wishes they had that the pet would leave them alone, had absolutely nothing to do with its death.

6.Celebrate your pet's life. Instead of ignoring your pet's passing or having a mournful funeral, create a ceremony with your child that eulogizes the special qualities that your pet brought into your lives. Have your child help structure the event and express his feelings about his companion, if he wishes. Memorial services can bring closure to a sad event, and when we join with others in saying good-bye to a companion, we feel supported. We also get a sense that death is part of the ongoing process of life.

We Have 1 Preschool Opening (Ages 2-5).

2007-04-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Click on title to go directly to our official website for more details.
Click on image to enlarge. ;)

Diaper Rash

2007-02-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

Diaper Rash. There are a few different causes that I am aware of, and there are some very effective ways of treating these rashes. I am not a doctor however, and when in doubt always check with your pediatrician. The following information is from my experience working with children.

The rashes are ususally big red blochy areas on the buttocks and surrounding areas. (if the rash has small red dots seek medical assistance right away, it could be a yeast infection, impetigo or worse).

One cause of diaper rash is food alergy. Highly acidic foods that are notorious for causing rashes are strawberries, tomatoes, oranges and juices. Not all children will have a reaction to these foods, but if there is a reaction, diet is a good place look first.

Another cause is teething. Some children develop symptoms such as rash in the diaper area, runny nose and fussiness. Again not all children will display all or any of these symptoms.

The best care for a diaper rash is to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. Here are some suggestions.

Change the child as often as possible. We change every hour to hour and a half (or when needed).

After changing, let the area "air: out (fan or keep diaper off for a minute).

Apply an ointment which forms a barrier between the child's skin and wetness (Creamy Desitin works best in my opinion (some do not like the smell and if you use the regular, instead of creamy, it will not glide on as easily -- that can really be traumatic to a child with a rash!). Some others: A&D ointment, or Boardeaux's Butt Paste is great; it forms a barrier and smells like cinnamon. Some even use a powder over the paste. I have found this works well, (but is not necessary if you use the cream).

Another very helpful treatment (and I like using this for children who have chronic rashes), is filling a sanitary spray bottle with warm water and apple cider vingegar or white vinegar (one teaspoon per 16oz.) and spraying the affected area; wiping with a clean cloth or paper towel (instead of wipes).

If it is suspected that the diet may be the cause, temporarily change the child's diet to "trusted" (foods the child has a history of not being alergic to), and bland foods with low acidity). Gradually reintroduce new foods one at a time and look for reactions.

I will keep adding to this post as I find more information. Please feel free to add comments and your experiences.

Valentine Project Slideshow!

2007-02-12T18:14:00.004-08:00

Making a Valentine Holder...

2007-02-12T18:14:00.003-08:00

Our friends are using pink crepe strips, tempura paint and paper plates to construct a valentine treat holder.

Water Table Activities...

2007-02-12T18:14:00.002-08:00

In The Housekeeping Area...

2007-02-12T18:14:00.001-08:00

The Letter "O"

2007-02-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

Our friends are glueing pasta to the letter "O"

This is a great fine motor activity, and builds vocabulary and social skills as they work together.

A Peek at Lunch (and More) Today

2007-01-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

Today we had Teriaki Chicken, Sprouted Wheat Bread, Broccoli and Bananas. Yum.

We're taking a look at our "Global Village" this week. Today we studied Africa; the animals and objects.

Earlier this week we made an covered a bowl with an African tribal print. Today we used gold ink with rubber African stamps that depicted the native animals of Africa, African clothing, housing and tools.

We also played Mancala, a traditional african marble game, discussed what kinds of animals live in Africa and learned the Swahili words for "hello" (Jambo) and "How are you?" (Habari gani?)

We sang "The Color Song" (each child stands up if they are wearing the color we sing), and "All our Friends" song.

We are working toward identfying the letter "N" by sight and sound (at the beginning of words), and the number 12. 12 assorted houshold items were arranged for our friends to practice counting out. We went on a "Circle Hunt" in the Preschool room. Many were very sucessful in finding circles and the ones that were not were trying very hard in their effort to keep up!

We also continued with our "Kangaroo" jumping game. Our friends threw a bean bag and counted how many hops it took to get to it. They put a twist on the game by stuffing a puppet in their shirts (kangaroo baby) ;)

Slide Show

2007-01-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Colds and Children

2007-01-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

We spend alot of time outside during the day. It has been very cold lately and I can imagine that some are concerned about children being outdoors at this time of the year. Children should be bringing jackets and layered clothing. Also mittens/gloves, hats are great. Here are some facts about colds:

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI or Common Cold) What is an upper respiratory infection (URI)?
An upper respiratory infection (URI), also known as the common cold, is one of the most common illnesses, leading to more doctor visits and absences from school and work than any other illness every year. It is estimated that during a one-year period, people in the US will suffer one billion colds. Caused by a virus that inflames the membranes in the lining of the nose and throat, colds can be the result of more than 200 different viruses. However, among all of the cold viruses, the rhinoviruses and the coronaviruses cause the majority of colds.

Facts about an URI or cold:
Most children will develop at least six to ten colds a year. This number increases for children who attend daycare.
Colds do not happen as much after the age of 6.
Adolescents get colds about two to four times a year

When is the "cold" season?
Children are most likely to have colds during fall and winter, starting in late August or early September until March or April. The increased incidence of colds during the cold season may be attributed to the fact that more children are indoors and close to each other. In addition, many cold viruses thrive in low humidity, making the nasal passages drier and more vulnerable to infection.

The most important way to prevent the spread of colds is washing hands. We also have a great toy sanitizing system and have been very fortunate when it comes to children being ill; We get the occasional cold but luckily not much else.

Click here for back up ideas when your child is too ill for care at Aimee's Playhouse.

New!

2007-01-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

I took some time off from posting, in case anyone noticed, to prepare for our new house. It's amazing how hard it is to get back into a routine in a different environment; now I can understand why children can take a while to adjust when atttending a new child care.

It has been amazing, and challenging at the same time. For the parents and families that made the transition from the old house to the new, we are grateful to have you and so excited to continue this new chapter of care at the first home we can truly call our own!

Ice Skating.

2007-01-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

In keeping with our arctic theme, we used paper plates and masking tape to create "ice skates" to glide across the [carpet] frozen ice. It was a big hit; no one wanted to take them off and a couple of children wore them through lunch and rest time. ;)

Ice Painting

2007-01-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today we painted with powdered tempura and long frozen ice "sticks."

We are studying blue this week and the arctic. Some of the other things we are learning about are the animals that live in the artic, what they do and how thier bodies are specially equippped to survive the ice and snow.

We are exploring the letter "M" with stories and rhymes and working with the concept of pairs. one of the activities we did today was using recognizable household and daily objects like kitchenware and shoes with socks to mix-up and sort out into pairs.

Autumn at the Playhouse...

2006-10-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

2006-10-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

2006-10-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

2006-10-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

October Fun!!

2006-10-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

Making A "Me" Puppet!

2006-09-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Exploring Shapes and Chalk.

2006-09-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

2006-09-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Buggy Ride

2006-08-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Buggy ride to the school soccer field for snacks and a game of futbol.

Holding back the laughter!

What Do You Say About ATTACHMENT PARENTING?

2006-08-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT ATTACHMENT PARENTING...

Sand Buddies

2006-07-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Fun in the Sun!

2006-07-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Spiders

2006-07-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

We seem to have quite a few spiders roaming around lately. I suspect that they, not unlike us, are trying to escape the heat. Last year my daughter was bitten. We were somewhat lucky because, although it was a painful and red bite, it turned out not to be poisonous. She was bitten by a Wolf spider. To get a printable chart, like the one to the left CLICK HERE. For more information about spiders in the area CLICK HERE for the Poison Control site. When in doubt call Poison Control @: 1-800-222-1222

Tips When Choosing Child Care

2006-07-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

Parents:
When choosing child care don't be afraid to ask questions!

Your child's day...

Is there a daily schedule?
What is the meal system (do I have to bring or does the Provider supply)?
Where will my child sleep?
What is the sleep policy (are non-resting children accomodated; what is the resting philosophy)?
What types of activities are available?
What is the philosophy of the child care (is it teacher directed or child directed or somewhere inbetween?) BTW, both are very good, but one might be a better fit for an individual, (and their family philosophies regarding child education), than others.
Is there an emergency plan that you feel comfortable with?
Are the activities age appropriate, are the structures and toys free from damage?
Does the family home or center meet all of the criteria to remain licensed?
(plugs covered, current (and correct) CPR and First Aid Certification, no poisionous plants in yards, fences safe, windows free from breakage, walls free from cracked paint, all poisonous materials stored in locked cabinets or above 5ft (I think 6ft is better). If you have questions you can call licensing @ (916) 875-2808 and ask for the worker of the day.

Your Provider....

What is the Philosophy of the center or family home? (Views on toilet learning, family communication, learning, meal times, etc). Is it similar to yours?
Is there a posted curriculum?
How often do children partake in a scheduled curriculum, if at all?
What is the education level of the teacher/provider? (BTW, just because a person has a degree in math or english, it does not necessarily mean that they have the temperment to work with children; OBSERVE!)

Hygene...

What is your initial feeling of the overall apperance of the site. (If a site is in disorder, it could mean that in an emergency they might not be able to find your child's file or other important paper work).
Is the site overly dirty? (There will be a certain amout of messiness because a good provider wants the children to become heavily involved in play. However mold, and lots of dust/cobwebs could be health issues, esp. for children with asthma or alergies).
Does the site have a posted toy cleaning and sanitation plan? (are mats, plastic and fabric toys and structures routinely washed and sanitized on a schedule?)
What is the written health policy?
How often are hands washed? (Does provider have paper or individual towels or one towel for everyone?)
Does the provider look clean? (clean hands - when not involved in projects, neat appearance?)

Dangers...

What are the policies for field trips (how many adults to children)?
what are the proceedures for serious medical treatment?
Does your provider carry Liability insurance for the child care and Liability auto insurance? If not are you comfortable with this?

These are some of the questions Parents/families can ask providers. I always tell parents that if they are uncomfortable for any reason to trust their instincts and keep searching until they have the right match.

I will be posting on what providers can do to protect themselves and how to inteview to find a good parent/provider fit. HINT: alot of it has to do with the above questions.