Family

Get Moving! With Treehouse TV

admin — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 21:12:00 GMT

Healty Active Living

Let’s Get Moving! It’s an important part of growing up, it’s FUN and it’s good for you!

Check out some of the articles for ideas & activities on how parents & kids can be active together:

Get Moving with some of your favourite Treehouse shows

Watch our active videos below with your kids. They will love bending, stretching, jumping, and dancing as they watch and follow along with these video shorts.

Roll Play

Chloe and Horatio | Chloe and the Kite | Chloe and the Snowcat | Crab I Used to Be I 50 Leagues Under the Sea | The Tortoise and the Crab

4 Square

This is Daniel Cook

Baseball | Disco Dancing | Yoga

This is Emily Yeung

Ballet Dancing | Skipping Rope | Playing Soccer

Get Up & Go Go

Winning Isn’t Everything: Teaching Fair Game Play

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:31:00 GMT

Let's be honest, no one sits down to play a game to lose...and there is nothing wrong with that. From a child's perspective, winning a game can instill self-confidence. Nevertheless, we can't win all the time and learning how to play and lose with dignity is every bit as important as learning how to win with respect.

Here are a few tips for playing games with the whole family:

Have fun with the process of the game. If the game cannot be enjoyed through its duration and is only being played to win, then it is probably not a game worth playing.
Let your children know that while you are proud of them when they win, that does not mean you love them less when they lose.
Teach the little one not to gloat when they win. Again, everyone should be proud of a tot that can win a round of Go Fish, but it's important to remember not to laugh at the losers.
It's okay to allow your little one a few ‘advantages', but always be clear that cheating is not permissible. Even in a small context, the concept of proper ‘gamesmanship' for boys and girls is one that transcends generations and helps us grow into adults with respect for our fellow human beings.
Teach them the value of learning from a loss. The best thing about falling down is learning how to get up. Simple games provide this in a metaphorical sense and allow children the opportunity to learn and grow.

By Chris Giardino

What Cartoon Characters Show You About Your Kids

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:26:00 GMT

Next to yourself and their best playmates, those that your child will undoubtedly form a bond with in their early life, will be the characters that they watch on their favourite cartoon shows during the day. Cartoon characters can be a fantastic outlet for your children and the type of characters that they latch onto will not only influence them, but it will also tell you something about their personality.

Whether it is the Berenstain Bears, Babar, Franklin or Toopy and Binoo, these affable, animated creatures will become friends to your little one. As such, you should try watching the characters with your children. This is not just to approve of a show's content; it is so that you can have a better idea of what makes your children laugh, cry or affect them emotionally.

Similarly, knowing how these characters affect your little one can help you out in times of crisis. Knowing what character to give your children a stuffed animal of when they feel stressed can help alleviate anxiety.

Many cartoon characters teach morals or lessons to kids through their shows. If you know that your tot particularly relates to The Backyardigans, and you are familiar with the show and its content, you can use that as a tool to helping to teach your child the power of imagination.

Similarly, feel free to ask your children what exactly it is that they like about a particular program. These shows and their characters can be used to help teach your child everything from values to music to spelling and history.

By Chris Giardino

What Breed is Best?: Choosing a Dog for your Family

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:24:00 GMT

With the help of Dr. Scott Bainbridge, a veterinarian at the Queen West Animal Hospital in Toronto, we've put together a list of things to consider when selecting a dog breed.

Choosing a Dog Breed

Whether you choose one of the suggested breeds or any one of the many other suitable breeds, please keep the following in mind:

While toy breeds may be attractive to parents, some may be too delicate or skittish for smaller children.
Larger dogs are surprisingly better for kids because they tend to be more resilient to the rigorous play of younger children. Make sure, however, that you have the space to accommodate a larger breed and understand just how big that puppy will get.
Mixed breeds are generally great and usually have fewer health problems, but be sure to learn about the background of any perspective pup.
Popular and trendy breeds tend to be over bred which can affect the quality of the dog - including its temperament and overall health.
Wherever possible it is best to get a dog from a reputable breeder. You can't always rely on pet stores to know the full history of a dog nor can you see the conditions the puppies were raised in prior to arriving at the store.

By Rochelle Strauss

Watching TV with Preschoolers

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:22:00 GMT

When television is not watched with reckless abandon, it's a great tool for young children to acquire vocabulary, information, ideas and even learn about values. But how children watch television is very important.

Here are a few helpful tips to guide in television viewing.

Avoid open-ended TV viewing. Try watching a specific show for a specific amount of time to ensure your kids remain active viewers, instead of simply zoning out.
Choose a show and stay with it. This helps children understand a show has a beginning, middle and end. It also makes it easier to monitor your child's viewing and limit the length of time he or she watches.
Watch calm, quiet shows. Not only are they more conducive to learning, the slower pace allows children the chance to think and absorb new words and concepts.
Not all "children" shows are appropriate for children of a preschool age. Make sure the shows your child watches are suitable for his or her age group.
Watch TV with your children. This allows you to help them engage in the show, rather than just tuning out. Also, asking and answering questions about what's going on in a show helps expand the ideas and concepts presented while finding out what your child finds most interesting.
Avoid commercials. Children's cable networks usually offer commercial free TV, as do shows on video and DVD. Being able to pause or rewind a certain scene also allows for further discussion about what's going on.
Incorporate aspects of favourite shows into everyday games. For example, make a map for your next outing and follow it the way Dora does.
Most importantly, if there is nothing worth watching, turn it off.

By Rochelle Strauss

Visiting the Doctor

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:15:00 GMT

One of the more frightening things that a child can endure is a trip to the doctor. Whether it is only a check-up or something more serious, a trip to the doctor can produce in a little tot a level of dread and paranoia that is difficult to top.

Here are some small hints at trying to alleviate your child's fears:

Do not shrug off fears. It is normal for a child to be afraid of the doctor even if most adults know that there is usually nothing to fear.
As best you can, try to explain to your child why a doctor's visit is necessary. Reassure him or her that the doctor is not there to hurt and is only trying to help.
Most doctors will allow the parent to be present during the child's visit. If your child knows that you will be present during the appointment then he or she will feel more comfortable going in.
Bring a book or game that can provide amusement while waiting. If you can pre-occupy your child before they go in with a friendly cartoon character or the like, it might make the experience easier.
If a needle looks like it might have to be part of the procedure/check up, the best you can do is talk your child through it. Your little one will be frightened, but the more you assurance you give, the more you will alleviate those fears.

By Chris Giardino

Use Your Imagination

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:13:00 GMT

Imagination games are not only affordable; they are a necessary way to encourage your little one to use his or her mind to the fullest. Studies have shown that children who are encouraged to use their imaginations build skills that will benefit them later in life.

Here are some ways to encourage imagination-play with your child:

Use the concept of Mr. Dressup's costume trunk that many of us grew up with. Put into it any old clothes or fun costume pieces such as hats, etc. and on special occasions or rainy days, don the clothes with your child to pretend you are someone else or make up stories together.
Try closing your eyes with your little one and take turns telling a story from scratch.
Neutral ‘toys' such as cardboard boxes, sponges or scarves can be given to your little one. Kids can create space ships, zoos and more.
Backyard treasure hunts for hidden objects that you place can lead to all sorts of fun discoveries. Trees can become monsters, hills can be places to hide behind and every where you look something can transform into something else.
Teach your child to paint objects such as old egg cartons or stones. Again, not all toys need be purchased, and when so many household objects can be used for so many different things, it is a shame to let the opportunities go to waste.

By Chris Giardino

Top Ten Things to Consider when Choosing a Pet

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:12:00 GMT

When it comes to the kind of pet to get for your family, there are so many options - from traditional dogs, cats and fish, to the less conventional birds, reptiles and even hermit crabs! Here are ten tips to consider when choosing a pet.

Involve your child in the choice. To avoid neglect, if your child cannot have the pet he/she requested, be sure to discuss why and suggest alternatives before arbitrarily bringing home something else.
Children less than ten to twelve years of age cannot yet handle many of the responsibilities associated with a pet's care. Since the bulk of responsibilities will likely fall to you, choose your pet accordingly.
As a family, learn everything you can about a perspective pet. Make sure you understand all of its requirements and have the equipment needed.
Choose a pet that fits your family's life style. Do you have the time to care for the pet? Who will care for it when you go away?
Make sure the pet you choose is within your family's budget. When it comes to pet care there can be many unexpected costs - toys, habitats, vet bills, etc.
Consider the space a potential pet needs and make sure your home can accommodate it - this includes space needed for aquariums, cages, etc.
Baby animals grow up! Something tiny and adorable as a baby may grow too large for your child to handle.
Make sure you can provide your pet with a safe retreat when they need a break, such as a bed or crate for a dog. Instruct family members about the importance of leaving pets alone when they're in their safe space.
Know the history of all possible pets. In particular, if you are considering an exotic species, make sure it has been bred by a reputable breeder.
Consider a pet's potential life span. For some pets, such as smaller pocket pets, it can be quite short (a few years or less), for others, such as parrots, it can be very long (forty plus years).

By Rochelle Strauss

Top Five Dog Breeds for Kids

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:10:00 GMT

With the help of Dr. Scott Bainbridge, a veterinarian at the Queen West Animal Hospital in Toronto, here is a list of the top five breeds of dog to consider for children.

1. Labrador Retriever

Lovable and patient, labs are very affectionate and good natured, making them a great breed for families. They are also intelligent, easy to train and love to play!

2. Golden Retriever

Intelligent and lovable, goldens are easy to train and typically very patient and gentle with children. Some can be quite exuberant, but their eagerness to please makes them great family dogs and they thrive on lots of attention.

3. Goldendoodle & Labradoodle

Both these breeds are crosses (golden retriever/poodle and Labrador retriever/poodle) and each are highly social, friendly, eager-to-please and devoted family dogs. Though younger pups can be boisterous, their intelligence make them quick learners and easy to train.

4. Bearded Collie

These dogs are very social and playful. They love to be with people and are great with children. Joyful, boisterous and affectionate, you'll be convinced they're smiling as they greet you with that ever wagging tail.

5. Bichon Frise

A much smaller dog, bichon frises are very sociable. They love being in the company of people and are excellent with children. They are also smart, gentle, affectionate and full of energy, and, unlike other small dogs, not typically yappy.

By Rochelle Strauss

Tips for the First Day of School

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:03:00 GMT

Here are some things that every mom or dad can consider when they are preparing their little one for that first journey to school:

Describe the school experience to your kids - what happens there and what they can expect. The most fearful thing is the unknown and the more you can demystify it for them, the less their fear will be.
Be sure to tell them that the fear or apprehension that they have is normal. Telling your child that they having nothing to worry about in a glib way will only make their fears worse. Remind them that the other kids will be feeling the same.
Try to organize a trip to the school ahead of time if you can to let them get acquainted with the surroundings and what they can expect to see.
In the weeks leading up to the end of summer and the beginning of the school year, try to spend as much time with your little one as you can. It will make them feel comforted.
Take the time to start giving your child a routine similar to the one that he or she will be experiencing in school such as a set lunch time, play time etc. It will be less of a shock to the system when they start into the school routine for the first time.
Spend time after each school day asking your child about what they did that day. It will help them to feel as though you are involved in the process.

By Chris Giardino

Tips for Talking About Moving

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:59:00 GMT

Whether you are packing up and leaving to a new city or just to another street in another part of town, moving can be a very busy and hectic time. For children, the concept of moving can be quite unsettling.

If you find that you and your family are about to move, here are a few things to consider with respect to your little one.

Show your children's worries respect. They may not fully understand what is happening but there will come a point where they will. If they seem concerned about the situation, be sure to explain to them what is happening and how it will affect them.
Try to keep your children's schedule as structured as possible. If you can keep their bedtime, meal time and daily schedules similar to what they are accustomed to, the move will be more manageable.
Try to have their bedrooms mostly ready for the night when they arrive at their new home. If they can enter their new home with a lot of their familiar surroundings already in place, it will make it easier for them to adjust.
If they have any friends at their old home, allow them to see them before they go and, if possible, allow them to keep in touch through phone calls or the odd visit.
Be positive about the new home. Even if the move is for reasons that may not be entirely of your own free will (i.e. finance, job relocation), if your children see that you are enthusiastic it is likely to help alleviate any apprehensions they might have.
Give your children chores to do to prepare, such as helping to pack their toys. It will help them to feel a part of the process.

By Chris Giardino

Tips for Taking the Trauma Out of a Dentist Trip

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:56:00 GMT

A visit to the dentist doesn't have to be a torturous event. Whether your child has already had a visit or two, or is just about ready for the first, here are a few tips for a successful trip to the dentist.

Consider a pediatric dentist. Their offices tend to be very appealing to kids.
Ask if you can come in for a sneak peek before the first visit. Let your child sit on the chair, have the dentist/hygienist explain the process and show your child the tools.
If this isn't possible, ask the dentist or hygienist to spend five minutes demonstrating the routine with your child, using you or a favourite stuffed animal as the "patient".
If your child is afraid, discuss their fears with them before going to the dentist. This will comfort them.
Try booking a morning appointment, when your child is likely more well-rested.
Don't be afraid to let your child go it alone. He/she may feel confident and brave enough or may act up less if you aren't there.
For older children, ask your dentist if your child can wear a headset. Listening to music they enjoy or an audio book might prove to be just the distraction they need.
Finally, plowing through a procedure while a child wails will only make subsequent visits more agonizing. Talk to your dentist about giving your child permission to stop for quick breaks when needed.

For more information, please visit:

Canadian Dental Association http://www.cda-adc.ca/

By Rochelle Strauss

The Internet and Preschoolers

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:54:00 GMT

While the net can offer both educational and entertaining experiences, learning how to surf with your child is advisable.

Here are a few tips to guide you and your child's surfing experiences:

Surfing

Treat time on the internet as you would time watching TV. Monitor not just the sites your child visits, but the time he or she spends online.
Place the computer in a common area, such as the family room, den etc. so that you can both monitor and be involved with your child's surfing.
As with TV, engage your children in what they are seeing, learning and/or doing by asking them about the sites they visit during a particular surfing session and whether they have any questions.
Bookmark or make desktop shortcuts to favourite sites to make access to approved websites more readily available.

Websites

Ensure websites are age appropriate. Concepts, site objectives and interfaces should reflect your child's age and skill levels. Instructions and menus should be picture or audio based and easy to follow. Navigation tools should be simple.
Websites for preschool TV programs or children's cable networks are a good place to start your surfing. Most of these sites have great interactive learning components featuring favourite TV characters which are sure to engage your child.
Look for other sites that promote imagination, problem-solving, exploration and collaboration. Museum, zoo, aquarium and science centre sites can be particularly good.
Sites that promote literacy, creativity and math skills are also great precursors to school.

Safety

Finally, explore installing parental controls to protect against access to inappropriate sites and make sure your child understands that personal information should never be given out while online.

By Rochelle Strauss

Take Action!: Protecting the Environment with Your Preschooler

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:52:00 GMT

Exposing children to environmental awareness at an early age will empower them with the knowledge that their actions are significant and that they too can have a role in changing the world.

Here are some simple actions you and your children can take to protect the environment.

At your next family birthday party, save the ribbons and wrap for your child's art supply box.
As a family, get involved in community clean-up initiatives or tree-planting events.
Wherever possible walk or ride bikes to your destination. Explain to children that fewer cars on the road mean less pollution in the air.
Teach children about the importance of turning off lights, televisions, computers, etc. when leaving a room in order to conserve electricity.
When colouring, encourage children to use a pad or both sides of the sheet to conserve paper. Don't forget to recycle papers you don't need or want to keep.
Have your children turn off the tap while brushing their teeth or washing their hands and face.
Encourage children to participate in recycling at home.
When your child has outgrown or lost interest in a toy, have him/her recycle it by donating it to a charity or children's hospital.
Try packing sandwiches, snacks and even drinks in reusable containers. Use cloth napkins and reusable cutlery and lunch boxes instead of a disposable bags.

For more information, please check out Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth by Rochelle Strauss published by Kids Can Press.

By Rochelle Strauss