As parents, we face a lot of pressure to create beautiful moments. Some of us can become overwhelmed by the expectations of providing our kids with ideal environments, from Pinterest-worthy birthday parties to Instagrammable bedroom décor. But don't worry, I won't add to the pressure you already feel by adding more of that kind. Instead, I'm going to extend an invitation to get you working on four specific goals: (1) Make a short list of the essential summer events you want your kid …
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It's hot outdoors, and your kids understandably want a chance to cool off with some good, old-fashioned water. However, if you're the only adult on duty, perhaps a swimming day is just too stressful to consider. To make that happen, you don't need a lot of water or a pool. A few inexpensive toys can do wonders for your kids' comfort and enjoyment. And here's a free expert tip: Don't put out all the water toys at once; instead, rotate them for maximum fun! Beginner Wetness Level Aquapods c …
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In addition to the preventive steps we've previously discussed in the earlier parts in this series (see Part 1 & 2), having a clearly defined family water activity policy is one method to help in decreasing the risks connected with drowning. You can apply these rules to guests at events you host if you have a backyard pool or if you live near a natural body of water. As with any policy, you should make sure it is understood, publicly posted (if necessary), regularly reviewed, and activ …
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Summer vacation time and peak swimming (and drowning season) are just around the corner. Nobody wants to ruin your summer enjoyment, so I realize that's not the best way to look at it, but a drowning disaster can certainly do much more than ruin an otherwise enjoyable day at the beach. In the first part of this series, we looked at a few crucial strategies for decreasing your kids' risk of drowning, including talking to them about the hazards, getting rid of blatant dangers, and insisting …
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As summertime draws near, water becomes the center of so much fun! Whether your family enjoys spending time at the beach, a nearby creek, or a swimming pool in the backyard, it's a good idea to review water safety with your children at this time. The number of drowning deaths is seven or eight times more than the amount of fire deaths. There are an average of 10 drowning deaths each day, or 3500 to 4000 deaths annually. For kids ages 1-4, drowning is the leading unintentional injury-relate …
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Kids need to play outdoors! They need to experience nature and get that Vitamin D. But at the same time, we want to protect our kids from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. As we learn about risk factors for Melanoma and how clouds and shade affect our exposure to those rays, we all want to know more ways we can protect our kids against these potentially deadly threats. Sun-Protective Clothing Sun-protective clothing is trending these days, but the price point may be a little daunti …
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Even when it's not extremely bright or hot outside, our kids can be exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause skin cancer. The deadliest kind of skin cancer, melanoma, can quickly spread from the skin to the body's other organs. Once considered something that only affected older adults, this deadly disease is on the rise even among teens and young adults in their 20s. The good news is that melanoma is preventable and often treatable, when it's caught early enough. Recognizing S …
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As the days grow longer, we all look forward to sunny days ahead. While we often think of protecting our kids against sunburns on hot summer days, even cloudy days can put them at risk. Let's take a few minutes to consider a few commonly held misconceptions about the dangers of exposure to the sun's rays as well as some kid-friendly resources to help keep them protected. Cloudy Days While the effects of a sunburn are certainly obvious and unpleasant, harmful exposure to UVA and UVB rays d …
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Despite how crucial seeing is, observational skills go well beyond the use of just our eyes. By encouraging strong observational abilities, children can learn to characterize tastes and textures, identify visual and auditory patterns, and name specific aromas or odors. Being thoroughly immersed in an experience that engages all five of our basic senses - sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell - is just one of the numerous advantages of being in a natural setting. Going on a nature wal …
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Today, more and more of us are coming to understand the value of fostering STEM abilities. But can you identify what ability serves as a solid foundation for study and careers in the STEM fields? No, it isn't always exposure to technology or early scientific investigations. It is not always related to early success with math facts or having completed an impressive pile of math workbooks. Instead, it's the capacity for meticulous observation. The best thing about this truth is that we c …
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