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Positive Parenting: Alternatives to “No”
When it comes to parenting young children, it can be easy to fall into the habit of using the words “no” and “don’t” on repeat. Children, after all, do a lot of things we don’t want them to do—drawing on walls, for instance, or going for a ride on the family dog. Using “no” as the sole approach to communicating boundaries and limits can lead to frustration for all. Hearing a regular chorus of “no” and “don’t” can leave children feeling frustrated with themselves and the adult who is trying to manage their behaviour. However, sometimes parents...
read moreA guide to disciplining your kid
“Discipline is about guiding and teaching our children — it’s not about punishment or anger,” says Scott Wooding, a child psychologist in Calgary and author of The Parenting Crisis. “It’s simply a way of helping kids learn right from wrong, and keeping them safe.” Here are some strategies to keep your kids on track. How to discipline your toddler Where they’re at: Your little guy isn’t whining, fussing or having temper tantrums to manipulate you or make you angry, says Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Discipline...
read moreEaster chocolate cornflake nests recipe
Skill: Easy Cost: Cheap Prep: 50 mins Make: 12 Eater is coming so close! These little nests make great gifts for the children’s teachers and are perfect for kids’ parties at any time of the year- just decorated with sugar sprinkles, or even mini eggs during Easter season. You can also press the mixture into one large round tin and then top with marshmallows and a few candles for a bigger birthday cake. This is one recipe that you can happily let the children make by themselves – but be prepared for lots of messy hands and faces! Perfect for...
read moreChild Care Subsidy Changes in July 2018
8 min read From 1 July 2018, The Government Child Care Subsidy makes early learning more affordable for many Australians. The below guide is provided to help break down the benefits for you and your family. There are three means tests that will be applied to assess your eligibility for the Child Care Subsidy: 1. Combined family income The table below shows the percentage of child care fees the Government will contribute based on a family’s combined gross income: Combined annual family income^ Subsidy rate Up to $66,958 85% Over...
read more6 Benefits of Daycare for Young Children
Daycare centre offers long-lasting social, economic and academic benefits for kids and their parents. Studies have shown that children, including babies and infants from the ages of 6 months to 4 years, benefit from the daycare environment, including its quality instruction, structure and social lessons. Regular Schedule and Activities Even young children have a schedule at daycare. Although they might not be aware of the ticking clock, children are provided with a full slate of activities that include songs and storytelling. For toddlers,...
read moreThe Drop-Off: A Guide to Happier Goodbyes
Some children bound into a new classroom without a backward glance. But many others are, understandably, a little more nervous about starting a new school with new friends and new teachers. It’s not only children who have a hard time parting ways for the day: The morning drop off can be hard on adults, too. Luckily, our teachers and staff have a lot of experience with supporting children during the first days at school. (We’ve also provided reassurance and support to many, many parents.) Here are some positive ways to say good-bye at school...
read moreCelebrating Spring with Kids !
It’s springtime and Spring brings new life, renewed hope, and fun times for families to share. It’s time to celebrate, get creative, go outside, and embrace nature. Here are 6 of the Best Spring Activities for Kids, guaranteed to put a spring in everyone’s step! 1. Go to a Pet Farm This is the perfect time of year to visit a pet farm. After the long winter, the kids will love to run around the farm, taking in all the delights of spring. Feed a bottle to a baby lamb or cup a baby chick in your hand. 2. Go for a Family Cycle Pop on your...
read moreTips to Keep Kids Warm All Winter
Tips to Keep Kids Warm All Winter Winter has come. Whether winter brings severe storms, light dustings or just cold temperatures, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm. What to Wear Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Always remember warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in...
read moreHow Mother’s Day Provides Life Lessons to Children.
Mother’s Day Provides Many Teachable Moments for Children Mother’s Day is coming so close. It would be easy to simply go along with the advertising industry and believe that the annual gift of flowers on Mother’s Day is just what mom needs. Partially it’s what she needs, but also let’s acknowledge the intangible halves of the equations, the actions that don’t involve buying items but are personal expressions that recognize the value of mom in a personal, unique, and truly individual way. Here are ways kids can show mom a very...
read moreEaster Shredded Wheat nests
Easter Shredded Wheat nests There’s more to Easter than an Easter egg hunt when it comes to keeping kids amused. Try this Easter Shredded wheat nests to keep the kids occupied during Easter. PREP: 25 MINS COOK: 8 MINS plus chilling MAKE: 12 A spin on traditional chocolate cornflake cakes, this version uses extra-fine strands of wheat for great texture. This is an easy recipe that kids can join, read more about cooking with kids from our website. Ingredients 200g milk chocolate broken into pieces 85g shredded wheat, crushed 2...
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