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Books of the Week: The perfect books for Thanksgiving!

November 23, 2020 By Leave a Comment

IF ANIMALS GAVE THANKS by Ann Whitford Paul, illus. By David Walker: This sweet story, a follow-up to If Animals Kissed Good Night, describes how animals might show their gratitude.

SEE TOUCH FEEL: THANKSGIVING by Roger Priddy: The tactile pages encourage children to explore, touch, and feel, making this a fantastic book for stimulating their senses. With colorful artwork created from handprints and footprints, this book is perfect for introducing children to Thanksgiving.

Find them here.

Self Disclosure: Information and cover images were provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

The New Mom’s Guide to Safety for Toddlers

November 23, 2020 By Leave a Comment

There are over three million births in the U.S each year which means many new mothers must adjust to caring for a baby. 

Many women find great joy in raising little ones but once they become toddlers it becomes trickier. Perhaps you’re not sure how to keep your toddler safe at home and you’re looking for advice.

Sound about right? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here are many ways to prioritize safety for toddlers in your home.

Child Safety in the Kitchen

One of the best safety measures for toddlers is to make sure the kitchen is a safe environment. You should remove stove knobs or conceal them with a child-proof cover so they can’t turn on the burners. You must also keep pot handles turned away so your child can’t reach for them and keep all cutlery, or anything else sharp, in a latched drawer.

It’s also important that there are no dangling cords around appliances and keep them out of your child’s reach when they’re not in use. Further, avoid displaying tiny refrigerator magnets because they may fall and your child may choke on them. 

And safety measures for toddlers doesn’t stop there, you must also consider the kitchen’s cleanliness. Little ones have an immature immune system which makes them susceptible to bacteria or foodborne illnesses. Because of this, you should wash your hands before preparing meals and thoroughly clean the child’s utensils.

You should also heat bottles in a bowl of hot water instead of the microwave as it can scald your toddler’s mouth. Plus, look out for choking-risk foods like round food (e.g. grapes) or those with a texture that sticks to the airway like peanut butter.

Toddler Safety in the Bathroom

Following proper bathtub safety for toddlers makes bathtime fun for both of you. Make sure you never leave your little one unattended and always drain the tub once you’re finished. You should also keep the toilet lid down because if your child throws their toy into it, they may try and fish it out or it’ll clog the toilet. 

Aside from knowing water safety for toddlers, hide electrical appliances like hair dryers so they don’t burn or give your child an electric shock.

Child Safety in the Bedroom

When regarding safety for toddlers at home, we must also consider the bedroom. There are many hazards such as lamps, curtains, and even rugs. Little ones are prone to toppling, yanking, or even slipping on these so keep the room basic to avoid accidents. If you do have furniture with drawers or shelves, nail them to the wall so your toddler can’t climb them. 

Toddlers are between one to three years old so once they’re 35 inches tall, move your little one to a toddler bed or a twin bed with a side rail. Make sure the bed is far from objects with strings (e.g. blinds) and items they could tug at like picture frames. 

Let them stay warm with a thin blanket and a small pillow but make sure it’s not big enough to become a makeshift stool otherwise they may escape. Luckily, after the first year, you don’t have to worry about SID so let your toddler sleep in whichever position is the most comfortable.

If you want to keep an eye on your toddler, get a video baby monitor so you know they’re safe during their naptime. 

Toddler Safety in the Living Room 

Every parent is used to toys strewn across the living room but aside from a mess, these are hazards. Remove all items that toddlers could choke on like coins, marbles, and small cars. You should also secure all furniture and electrical items so they don’t tip over onto your toddler and child-proof window cords so your little one can’t grab them. Further, place bumper guards on sharp edges to reduce the risk of a head injury. 

Not sure about stair safety for toddlers? Simply install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs to avoid accidents.

Child Safety in the Backyard 

Adult supervision is crucial when your little one is playing in the yard otherwise limit access by keeping the lock out of reach. If you’ve set up a jungle gym or a swing set, set down a soft surface underneath to prevent injury. 

You should also enclose swimming pools or ponds with a safety fence and drain kiddie pools when they’re not in use. Further, keep all garden equipment in storage alongside chemicals like pesticides.

Toddler Safety in the Car 

Getting the right car safety seat is crucial because they reduce fatal injury by 54% for toddlers.  

Most toddlers can graduate from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing model. But make sure your little one is properly buckled in, the seat belt should lie across the upper thighs and be higher across the shoulder and chest. 

Be wary about buying a secondhand car seat because even if it looks like it’s in a good condition, it may be damaged.

That’s Everything About Safety for Toddlers 

Now you know everything about prioritizing safety for toddlers.

Store away unneeded items and child-proof anything that could be grabbed or moved to prevent any accidents. It’s important to constantly supervise your little one especially when they’re in the bathroom or kitchen and remove items they could choke on. Good luck!

Hopefully, you found this article helpful. If you’re interested in similar content then check out our posts on everything from Sports to Family.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

The Top Christmas Toys of the Year

November 22, 2020 By 1 Comment

The holiday season is here and the best deals of the year are happening now! With so much going on this year, researching the top toys for your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews may not have made it to your to-do list. No worries, here are some of the most popular toys for 2020.

Star Wars the Child Animatronic Edition 

You can never go wrong with Star Wars. The Child, also known as Baby Yoda, debuted in Disney’s Mandalorian and has captured the hearts of young and old Star Wars and non-Star Wars fans since his debut a little more than a year ago. This edition has a motorized head, ears, and eyes and is sure to delight all recipients. It also babbles, coos, and wiggles its ears. You may want to snag more than one of these amazing Baby Yoda toys before they’re gone. These are sure to be a collectible.  

Beyblade Burst Rise Hypersphere Vortex Child Battle Set

Beyblades have been around for several years. But the brand is always mixing it up with new blades, parts, and arenas. The two-level battle set lets kids digitize their stadium to compete with friends in digital battles using the Beyblade burst app.

L.O.L. Surprise Remix Hair Flip Dolls

Who doesn’t love a surprise? The Blind-box collectible toys offer the Hair Flip Doll. The mini-doll has 15 surprises, such as another hairstyle, a water bottle, and a musical instrument. The package she comes in turns into a turntable and plays a mini-record.  

Air Hogs Stunt Shots

No matter what age, remote control vehicles are always hit and Air Hogs win hands down as the best remote-controlled cars. Every child needs a Monster Truck that can handle all the latest tricks. Better yet, the soft tires are ideal for indoor play. They’re light and won’t scuff up your floors. Many moms and dads in the past have wished their kids R/C vehicles were as easy on their home’s interior. 

Blue’s Clues & You Peek-A-Blue

Blue’s back! Grab the 10-inch plush with big floppy ears and give her a squeeze. She’s ready for hours of peek-a-blue fun. Nickelodeon also offers a matching peek-a-boo Magenta. 

LEGO Disney Princess Ariel’s Undersea Castle

You wouldn’t expect a top toys list without LEGOs. The 2021 addition for the top building brand involves bricks for newbies. Duplo blocks are for kids ages two and up and feature 35 pieces, including Ariel, Flounder, and everything you need for a castle under the sea. 

Zing Air Go Go Bird

Not all remote control toys stay on the ground. Older children will love the Zing Air Go Go Bird that flies around day or night. It uses a six-axis sensor that allows the bird to fly six feet and turn around. To activate, just gently toss it into the air, and the wings automatically start flapping. The bird also has LED lights for night flying. Zing Air Go Go Bird is available in green and red.

Little People Launch & Loop Raceway Vehicle Playset

The Little People Launch & Loop Raceway Vehicle Playset combines the best of two toys for kids ages 18 months and over. It includes two main tracks that race through a set of tricks, jumps, and traps to give toddlers their first racing experience. The racing toy has a third stunt track and plenty of lights and sounds to keep kids engaged. 

LEGO Belle’s Castle Winter Celebration 

Another LEGO set made the list. These bricks are for stage 2 builders, ages four and up. The Beauty and the Beast set from Disney has 238 pieces, including Belle, the Beast, Gaston, and Lumiere. Get the kids started early so they can work their way up to more complex LEGO sets as they get older. 

Baby Shark Fishing Game

The take on the classic fishing game will have young children improving their hand and eye coordination while singing along to their favorite song. Baby Shark plays the Baby Shark song while it spins. Up to four players can work to catch fish to win the game. 

These are a few of the hot Christmas toys this year. Snag the ones on Santa’s list quickly before supplies sell out. You don’t want to be the parent or auntie that doesn’t snag at least one of the most popular toys for 2020.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Is A Montessori Education Truly Beneficial?

November 20, 2020 By Leave a Comment
Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash

Montessori education has gained in popularity since its inception in the early 1900s by Dr Maria Montessori. The Montessori Method is child-centered, and activities are child-led. Teachers are facilitators instead of lectures with classrooms having children of different ages. The system is based on hands-on learning, self-directed activities and collaborative play.

Children work individually and in groups as they explore. They chose their activity from the given options, they learn by discovering instead of instruction, and they have freedom with limits.

If you are preparing your child to join a school, you may be wondering, is a Montessori education truly beneficial? Will it be better for your child than the traditional system of education?

Well, many benefits are associated with Montessori education as well as a few drawbacks. 

Puts Emphasis on Independent Learning

Children in Montessori Education experience independent learning. They learn through hands-on using learning materials that have been designed for the purpose, which are made from natural resources such as wood. For example, children can use a learning tower to get to hard-to-reach areas.

The system advocates for independent learning where children learn at their pace. The child learns and progresses as an individual as they get exposed to materials, lessons and activities that are meant to build their skill set.

This method makes it possible for fast learners and slow learners to learn at their pace without each feeling pressured.

No more worrying about your child who is a fast learner feeling bored in class since each student is learning at their pace.

Encourages Independence

Students choose the activities from the given options. This cultivates confidence and independence since the learning is self-directed. That could be the reason why those who go through the Montessori system think independently and can manage themselves. These qualities help to develop entrepreneurial skill sets on the kids.

It Makes Learning Enjoyable

Montessori education makes learning enjoyable. The students are given the freedom to be curious, explore and discover. This encourages a love for learning. They see learning as a way to acquire knowledge and not as a burden for passing exams.

That’s why those who go through the system continue learning even after the school life is over since they consider it as a lifelong journey.

Promotes Social Interactions

Montessori classes have students of different ages, which encourage peer to peer learning. Children are curious, and they are fascinated by what their peers are doing. When grouped, they learn from each other, and this encourages growth and social interactions. This way, they develop social skills such as acceptance and inclusion.

This may not happen in classrooms where students are of the same age.

Friendly to Children with Special Needs

In Montessori education, students of different ages are grouped in the same classroom. Each child learns at their pace. As such, there is no competition and pressure that is present in the traditional systems of education.

This makes the learning friendly even to children with special needs because they learn at their pace and they have more freedom.

 The students remain with a teacher for three years. The continuity helps the teacher to know the students and their needs. Also, they can form connections with other learners, and so they feel safe when learning.

Based on the “follow the child” philosophy, the teacher gives individualized education to each student with each having their goals. This serves well with children with special needs as well as other students.

Drawbacks to the Montessori Education

As much as Montessori education is beneficial, there are some drawbacks.

·         It Is Expensive

Montessori education requires high-quality learning materials to meet the needs of each student. This is one reason why this program is expensive to implement. It explains why the schools charge a lot of money and put it out of reach of most children.

In fact, the Montessori system is considered as a reserve for the privileged that can pay hefty amounts for tuition.

·         Curriculum Is A bit Loose

The curriculum is less structured. Students move at their pace, and they choose what to do. This can leave out some critical areas. You may find students doing more on one subject and neglecting the other.

·         There Is Less Collaboration

The Montessori education advocates for independence and less collaboration. Students make decisions and learn at their pace. This may not augur well with a work environment that advocates for teamwork. Therefore, someone who has gone through the curriculum may find it challenging to work in a team or an environment with strict authority.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

4 Ways to Show Friends How Much You Care

November 20, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Our friends are there for us during our best and worst times. Some we may have known for years while others may have come into our lives more recently, but they all brighten up our lives. Humans are social animals, and it is well documented that relationships are key for both our mental and physical health. All too often, however, we do not let them know how important they are and how grateful we are for their love and support. If you want to make sure that your friends know how much you appreciate them being in your life, here are four ways to show them how much you care:

  1. Put your friends to the top of your list

Of course, our family is usually our top priority, but our best friends should be right up there too. When your friend needs your practical help, is in the middle of a crisis, or needs some advice, you should be there for them as quickly as they would be for you. It may mean making a few sacrifices or canceling the occasional plan, but it will lead to a stronger bond and increase the trust between you.

2. Meet face to face regularly

Cellphones and social media have made it easy to keep in touch with our friends wherever we are in the world, but unfortunately, this has reduced how often we make the effort to get out and meet face to face. Just because a friend replies to a text saying that they are ‘fine’ does not mean they are. Talking with someone face to face, being able to read their body language, and giving them the space to speak freely is often the only way we get an honest account of their mental and physical wellbeing. Find time to meet for a walk in the park, a coffee, or lunch, and enjoy each other’s company without phones getting in the way.

3. Give personal gifts

Whether it is their birthday, Christmas, or you just want to treat them, make sure the gifts you give them are meaningful. This does not mean that you need to spend a fortune, but they deserve more than a last-minute panic buy. Think about who they are, what they are interested in, the memories you share, and choose a gift which shows them how well you know them. Even a simple gift like a coffee mug or a cushion with a photo of you both purchased with a Walgreens photo coupon could bring a smile to their face for many years to come.

4. Support them through thick and thin

When your friend has ambition, believe in them, and help them to see their own potential. Many people take pleasure in discouraging or criticizing others, often through the veil of ‘tough love’ or giving them a reality check. Of course, you can offer advice as to how they might go about pursuing their dream in a sensible way, but you should be there to lift them up. When a friend is going through difficult times or has made some poor life decisions, that is not the time to drag them down or neglect them. Be there for them and help them get back on the right path.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

KIDS AND DOGS GO TOGETHER

November 18, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Kids and dogs are inseparable! A pet friendly home gives the kids nice memories of this period which they will remember with fondness when they grow up. Dogs of all types, are loved and treated as part of the family.

Check out Huntington Beach, a dog friendly destination. It even has a dog friendly accommodation, the Pasea Hotel and Spa, which advertises itself as a dog friendly hotel. Now, you all (adults, kids and pet dogs) have a space to sleep in together if you decide to stay overnight.

CALIFORNIA PET LAWS

If you really love dogs and you would want to care for more of them, do you know that just recently, California became the first state in the USA inhibit pet stores from selling dogs, cats and

rabbits except if they come from animal shelters or rescue groups which care for them passionately.

This is to avoid the proliferation of puppy mills that operate in unhygienic and overcrowded conditions.

You live in a dog loving state. Be prepared for responsible dog ownership.

And do you know the rules of the state of California with regards to ownership of pets? If you are a dog lover, don’t overdo it because the law sets limits. Each household may only have 4 dogs or cats over the age of 4 months at any one time. If you want to have 5 or more, you have to get a special permit. You don’t want to go through all that trouble for paperwork. Limit your love and affection to 4 pets and your heart will already be full.

WELL LOVED DOGS IN SOUTHERN CAL

California is so big. Let’s concentrate on SoCal where the world famous Los Angeles, Beverly Hills are located and where dogs are very much loved.

In Southern California, dogs are required to be licensed, but not everybody does this. The act of licensing does not guarantee the fact that the dog being registered is a poodle when in fact it is a pit bull because the dog’s presence is not required. So what are the top dog breeds in Southern California?

1) Poodle. This dog breed best symbolizes the image of Southern California as the entertainment center of the world. Its elegant coiffure is legendary and makes for a nice paparazzi photo shoot on the famous and chic streets of SoCal.

They come in 3 types : the toy, standard and miniature. The miniature is the most popular and the most convenient because SoCal can be overcrowded and its cute frame suits it just fine.

2) Terrier Mix. What if your kid went with you to the dog shelter and he literally just fell in love with a mutt, specifically a Terrier Mix? You have no choice but to accept this dog into your household or you’re going to break your boy’s heart.

The Terrier Mix is literally not a breed but a melting pot of other breeds’ traits and features that have mixed in with the original Terrier breed. This goes to show that SoCal has a continuing love affair with mutts and this soft spot is reserved for underdogs like them.

3) Pit Bull. The animal shelters in Southern California are literally flooded with them because they have the reputation of being aggressive and many supposedly dog friendly places make a special ban of them. But they are popular pets in the large mansions of several billionaires and millionaires who live in SoCal and have approved of the reputation of the pit bull as a guard dog.

4) German Shepherd. It is admired for its obedience and bravery and SoCal folks love these traits in their dogs. Its good aptitude towards work makes it also in demand for service jobs that include being in search and rescue teams for K-9 units. It is an extremely well rounded pet that loves to protect its owners, indulge in playful activities and walk with them.

5) Labrador Retriever. SoCal folks just love dogs which are versatile, intelligent and have gentle temperaments. All these traits fit the overall profile of the popular Labrador Retriever who is exquisitely comfortable equally whether it is just spending a long day at the beach or hiking in the woods with its owner. It is so loyal that legend has it that it fits the bravery of a special species which can save the life of its owner.

Guest post by: Carolline Jones, founder of Bark Friend – Dog Breeds, Training and Guides.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Percy, Nov. 19th Pet of the Week!

November 17, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Percy’s plaintive little face may look sad, but trust us—it’s all a ploy! He knows that all he needs to do is to light up when someone walks into the room and ring out with a resounding purr worthy of his 15 pounds. Percy’s 5 years old and very loving toward humans—he could do very well without another animal in the house. Besides, with so much cat to love and to love you back, you wouldn’t need another pet! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through email, so contact PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Percy. Ask for ID#A574845.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Filed Under: Featured Content, Pet Corner

How To Save Your Money On Your Home Printer

November 17, 2020 By Leave a Comment

If you are in the market for a new home printer then you will want to find one that not only offers great value but that will be inexpensive to run. Many consumers are in the same position and no one wants to spend out on an expensive printer that will then cost them significant amounts when it comes to buying home printer ink and maintaining it. To help, we have some top tips for you to consider that are sure to help you save cash and still enjoy high quality printing. Read on to find out more. 

Do Not Fall for Bargain Printers

One of the biggest issues that consumers face is the fact that the printer market is completely saturated with machines and that it can be hard to work out which one to buy! Many companies sell low priced machines that appeal to low budgets but they are often poor quality and can break easily. When it comes to buying your printer, the reality is that the more you spend on the machine, the less you will need to spend on maintenance and ink. This is because you will be getting an item that uses up to date technology and high quality component parts. 

Run the Pre-Programmed Maintenance Page

Many people worry about maintaining their printer when they purchase it because a well maintained machine will last longer than one that is not. To save money on maintenance it is wise to purchase a printer that has an in-built maintenance programme so that you can run it from home without having to get an expert in to do it for you. These programmes are designed to clean the internal parts of the printer so that you do not need to. All you then need to do is keep the external parts dust and clutter free! Put together, these actions equal cheap and effective maintenance. 

Buy Replacement Ink

When it comes to buying the best ink for HP printer machines then you may currently believe that genuine ink is the only decent option open to you. This is not the case! There are many high quality specialist ink replacement services that sell replacement ink cartridges for a fraction of what you are paying out and they do not compromise the quality that you have come to expect. For example, companies like Smart Ink sell HP 61 ink for significantly less that the genuine version, deliver it direct to your door and provide high quality service – it makes sense to your budget to try them and discover the quality of their ink! 

Saving money on printers and printer costs is not as difficult as it seems but it is wise to avoid deals on printer machines that claim to offer great value without first looking into whether the printer is efficient or not. It is also sensible to purchase a printer that has an in-built maintenance function and can take replacement ink. Happy printing!

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
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