Friday, June 21, 2013

Out and About: Fun Summer Activities in the Community!

Looking for summer activities to do outside of your home? One of our blog posts (Fun for the Thrifty Family) focused on summer activities to do with your kids at home. The flexibility of in-home activities can be very appealing (especially to parents with young children like me!). However, it is also great to have some out-of-house options up your sleeve for the days when everyone gets a little stir-crazy or you just plain need to be around other people! :)

But what parent has hours to spend researching different activities in the community? Luckily Child Care Resource and Referral has done the dirty work for you! They have compiled a fantastic summer activity guide which includes a list of summer programs, community activities, information on public swimming pools and libraries, articles on summer safety and more!

To view the summer activity guide for Utah, Summit, Wasatch, and Juab Counties, click here.

Spotlight from this activity guide: Provo Recreation Center

Provo Recreation Center
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The new and improved Provo Rec Center is something you shouldn't miss out on! Located at 320 West 500  North in Provo, the center offers a wide range of activities for both children and adults. 
As far as aquatic fun alone goes, the rec center boasts: 
- a kids' swim area
- a lazy river
- a deep water pool
- an indoor leisure pool
- a hot tub
- an outdoor splash pool
- and outdoor water slides! 
Day passes are $5 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 3-17). Summer swimming lessons are also available. For more information about the Provo Rec Center, including a full list of 
facility amenities, click here.


To view the summer activity guide for Salt Lake and Tooele Counties, click here.

Spotlight from this activity guide: The City Library

kids
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"The City Library" indicates libraries that are part of the Salt Lake City Public Library System. This system includes six libraries in the Salt Lake area (for a list of these library hours and locations, click here). Each branch offers several recurring kids' events every week. Some of these events include:
- Preschool Story Time
- Friday Afternoon Movies
- Wednesday Crafts
- Book Baby
- Cuentame Cuentos
- Weekend Wiggle Time
- Family Yoga
Activities offered vary by location. For a complete list of recurring children's events and 
which libraries they are offered at, click here. Additional non-recurring library events that your 
kids may enjoy can also be found here.

Get out of your house this summer and have fun with your kids! 
There are so many things to do - they'll love it! :)

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Parents matter!!

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According to the Talaris Institute, attachment is the foundation for a child's expectation that people they love and depend on will support and help them when they need them.


Why does attachment matter?

When children experience comfort and acceptance consistently within the first year, typically, they will  develop secure attachment and will contribute to healthy brain development.  


                                                                       What can parents do?



INFANTS:
  • Respond and play with your baby as often as possible.
  • Touch is important for creating attachment. - wear your baby in an infant carrier, hold them often
  • Talk to your baby during every day moments like diapering, feeding, and bathing. This aides in formation connections in the brain between emotions, actions, and the responses of their parents or caregivers. 
TODDLER: 
  • Remember that quiet moments are better times to connect than when things are busy, exciting, or new. 
  • Support their exploration when it is safe, setting limits when necessary, and allowing the child to return to you for reassurance or comfort when needed
  • Don't be afraid to turn to people you trust to help and support you
PRESCHOOLERS:
  • Talk about their feelings- young children need your help to cope with emotions
  • Be there to support your child as they venture out. Provide a safe place for them to return for when the world feels too big.
  • The ability to make amends is key to making a relationship feel secure.This will teach your child that when mistakes or disagreements happen, you will recognize the mistake, understand their reaction to the error, and behave differently in the future. 


                                                                                                                            


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Preserve Precious Memories


Yesterday was my dad's 55th birthday. Happy Birthday dad!  With milestones like this, I sometimes get thinking about what have I done with my life, and how can I preserve the memories?  
At our Sunday family gathering, my aunt brought along several binders that included tons of family photos.  For the first time, I saw pictures of my mom as a baby.  There is something fascinating about seeing a memory that was captured many years ago. 
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The first few years of life are critical for a baby, and I encourage you to cherish each moment as best you can.  Be creative -Here are 4 ways you can capture your little one's adventures:
        • Write them down. Write a letter to your baby, or keep a journal of her milestones. She'll love to look back at it when she has kids of her own.
        • Take pictures. - Don't forget your camera, or phone, or picture taking device. Wherever you go, kid's always find adventure!
1959: My mom and grandma 
        • Keep your baby's treasures in a treasure box. Their first baby blanket, a favorite book, a painting. They will appreciate it in about 20 years.

        • Make handprints - Trace your child's handprint on their birthday and show them how they've grown.

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 As you create memories, you are tracking your child's development as well. To access the Ages and Stages Developmental Questionnaire, contact Help Me Grow!


How do you do keep precious memories alive?