Take Time to Read on a Winter Day

Whether you are by the fireside or poolside, nothing beats a good book on a winter’s day. For children in the north, it’s fun reading about experiences in the snow and cold, however, for children in the south, they can read about what they are missing and have fun too through the magic of books.

Here are a few books to try:

• A Really Good Snowman by Daniel J. Mahoney (Clarion)
• Winter’s Gift written and illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan (Sleeping Bear Press)
• Snowball Fight by Jimmy Fallon (Dutton Children’s Books)
• Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester (Houghton Mifflin)
• Robert’s Snow by Grace Lin (Viking)
• The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming (Henry Holt & Co.)
• It’s Winter (Celebrate the Seasons) by Linda Glaser (Millbrook Press)
• Winter Friends by Carl R. Sams & Jean Stoick (Carl R. Sams II Photography)
• Dream Snow by Eric Carle (Philomel)
• The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett (Putnam Juvenile)

Find these books and more about winter on Amazon.com.

Do you feel like making some snowmen crafts? Check out these fun ideas!

I hope you and your children enjoy these winter books and craft suggestions. Please feel free to comment below and add some of your wintry favorites.

(Books first posted on Caring for Kids/ EverydayTLC by Tania Cowling)

3 Valentine Activities for February 14th

It's February, and love is in the air. What greater love is there than the love of a child? So whether you are expecting the birth of your child or already enjoying the many hugs and kisses of a little one, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to celebrate. Here are some fun and easy Valentine's Day ideas to help with building early memories with your child this holiday season.

For Expecting Parents:

This creative little gift is especially designed for expectant parents. Remember those silly messages found on candy hearts you used to eat in grade school? For fun, try personalizing your own messages on cut out construction paper hearts for your loved one! "Back Massage," "Belly Rub," "Midnight Run for Snacks," or "Extra Smiles" are just a few ideas for fun heart sayings. The paper hearts don't taste like candy, but guaranteed to bring grins to the recipient.

Finger Paint With Your Baby:

The use of non-toxic paints offers older babies endless possibilities for making discoveries and exploring. A red (pink) heart picture is perfect for Valentine’s Day and fun to do with your child using pudding paint. Mix one box of instant vanilla pudding according to directions on the package. Add drops of red food coloring to achieve the desired color. Hand on hand, help your baby fingerpaint on freezer paper or paper plates. When dry, cut the paper into a heart-shape. Fingerpainting is such an open-ended activity—the process of painting is more important than the finished project. Take time to tickle the senses—enjoy the feel of this paint, smell it and if your baby tries to take a taste, it’s OK-- it’s pudding!

Fun With Toddlers:

Take several large appliance boxes and open all the tops and bottoms. Using heavy tape, attach all the boxes together making sure the inside flaps are securely taped and smooth. Invite your toddler to decorate the outside of the boxes in his own way with lots of scribbled hearts and designs using crayons and markers. Valentine stickers may aid in the decorating and toddlers just love them. Write “Tunnel of Love” on the outside. Encourage your little one to crawl through the tunnel—you may just want to follow him!

Enjoy your holiday and happy parenting,

Tania :)

Photos courtesy of geralt, photoshop Tofs, Moscow Moms, CC0 Public Domain, Pixabay.com

February is Dental Health Care Month

With my oldest grandchild losing baby teeth and getting his first permanent teeth to my youngest grandson cutting his baby molars -- I thought it's fitting to include some ways to teach preschoolers about dental health and ways to take care of their pearly whites. First, parents need to understand how important it is to visit the dentist at an early age to insure that your child's baby teeth come in properly. And, that the kiddos care for their teeth so permanent teeth are strong and shiny.

Teaching young children about important matters in the health field is best done through interactive activities. Read on for some fun dental health activities to do at home or school.

Reading books about dental health is fun for young children who learn from friendly characters who deliver the message about taking care of teeth. It also wouldn't hurt to have a "cool" looking toothbrush to lure the kids into happy brushing!

Since February is National Dental Health Care Month, take the time to read some entertaining and informative books about dental care and teeth. And, stock up on the supplies that will help your little ones get into the good habit of brushing.

Until later~~~
Happy Parenting,
Tania 

Book cover photos courtesy of Amazon.com
Photo courtesy of woodypino, CC0 Public Domain, Pixabay.com