Some things are scary - ghosts, goblins, vampires and bats.
And some things are really scary, Genetically modified foods. Toxic face paint. Insane piles of garbage. And then there is the combination of all of these things into one frightening event: Halloween.
Don’t fret. These terrifyingly smart tips will make your family’s Halloween a less scary one.
1. Since Halloween involves community, support yours by choosing an organic pumpkin at a farmers’ market or grow your own.
3. Upcycle. Take used products and make them into new Halloween décor!
4. Fill your kids up on tons of healthy fun food before you go out trick or treating. (Just like the saying that you shouldn’t go grocery shopping when really hungry!).
5. Give out REAL treats that will make kids (and parents) happy.
7. Walk in the dark safely, without using batteries. Try solar, handcrank, or rechargeable flashlights.
Like with any holiday, reduce because you easily can. Reuse as much as possible, and Recycle the balance (which is hopefully not too much).
For a complete explanation on the tips above and how to make your Halloween less scary, read Borden Communications FREE downloadable Halloween Guide.
Lisa Borden , owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications , offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.
I think as a society, we’ve been underplaying the possible dangers from cell phones for too long. The entire industry is currently (and has been) hard at work, manipulating science to stave off being regulated and having to issue warnings.
Cell phones are even more dangerous for our kids – think of how much smaller they are and how much they absorb relative to us! Israel now requires WARNINGS on Cell Phones – you can read more about it, and lots more about the dangers on the Environmental Health Trust website.
And, the dangers are not limited to cell phones…it’s from our laptops, microwaves, iPads, and all Wi-Fi everywhere. There are precautions you can take while the industry tries to shield you from the truth rather than the radiation…and that’s what we all need to focus on for our families. Right now.
To minimize the risks and dangers for you and your kids, please start by:
Not letting your kids use your cell phone if at all possible.
Never attaching your cell phone to your body or carry it around in your pocket (even when it’s not in use, it emits radiation).
Using a case from Pong Research for your Blackberry, iPhone and iPad.
Using speakers or earphones to minimize your distance and exposure. I use the earphones from Thinksound as they are PVC free and have many other eco-factors.
Turning off your Wi-Fi at night if you have it in your home – you might be sleeping, but your devices are still emitting radiation.
Not working with your laptop, iPad or other devices on your body. Consider Belly Armor (designed for pregnancy, but great for kids too in my opinion).
Googling, reading and researching the studies that are out there – being informed is the best thing you can do to make the best decision for you and your family! You can also read my book The Alphabet of Avoidance, which includes information about the above, as well as examples of what to avoid for every letter of the alphabet, solutions and take-action recommendations for campaigns to join, websites to visits, and suggested product.
Please remember, precaution IS prevention.
Lisa Borden , owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications , offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.
Be scary, but don’t spook our cherished kids and precious planet.
Halloween produces more boos, eeks, screeches and ding dongs than we should tolerate.
In an attempt to make sure our kids don’t hate us, and our neighbours, family and friends don’t ridicule us (although some of us may have gotten used to this by now), this guide will hopefully provide useful suggestions, and inspire others to have a less scary Halloween (since, boycotting the holiday altogether is a little ambitious and un-spirited - for this year anyways). Read through the following pages and adopt as many of our simple suggestions for a smarter Halloween and then choose to share them with others.
I’ve been told by Chloe that right now I’m the meanest mother in the whole world. Despite denying her perpetual pleas, I’m sure that she was convinced that I would give in and buy her the cell phone that was on the top of her Channukah wish list. But I didn’t. Since that time, in an effort to convince me that a cell phone is one of the mandatory electronic devices for any tween, she has provided me with a list of all of her eleven year old friends who already have cell phones (and there are many), as well as “The top reasons I need a phone.”
Below are Chloe’s top reasons for needing a phone and my response to each of these.
“If I want to play with someone after school I don’t have to wait to ask you.” My response: Whatever happened to delayed gratification? To waiting for mom to pick you up after school to request a play date? I know you’re used to ‘googling’ questions and getting answers within seconds, but not every question receives an immediate response and sometimes waiting for something makes it even more meaningful.
“I can walk home feeling safe.” My response: Since you’re not yet walking home on your own, why do you need a cell phone as protection? And even when you are walking home alone or with a friend, please remember that a cell phone is not going to keep you safe. Cell phones cannot replace knowing what to do when you are approached by a stranger or in any potentially dangerous situation. It doesn’t take more than a few seconds for a stranger to grab a cell phone out of your hand and if you’re counting on a cell phone to keep you safe, then you may have a false sense of security and not be working on developing important safety proofing skills.
“Sometimes I don’t feel included when my friends are on their phones. I need one too.” My response: I know that you may feel excluded when you see one friend texting or calling another to arrange a play date or just to chat, but that doesn’t seem like a good enough reason to have a cell phone yourself. There are so many other ways to feel included. Perhaps you can tell your friends how it feels when they spend time on their cell phones when you are together and ask that they focus their attention on you and your activity instead.
“It can be very fun and I’ll be happy.” My response: I understand how cell phones can seem like fun, but they are not toys. They need to be handled responsibly and spending too much time on a cell phone can even be dangerous to your health. Of course I want you to be happy but it would make me sad to think that a cell phone is what it would take to make you happy.
“If I’m really bored I can talk to my friends.” My response: “Talk” is an interesting choice of word since texting is not really talking. My fear is that you may “lose your voice” (or ability to converse comfortably or spontaneously) if you only talk through text. If you’re really bored, let’s think about the many things that you can do to occupy yourself, in addition to talking to your friends.
“I can stay in touch with family – especially my mom!” My response: Do I detect an ounce of manipulation! Of course I want you to stay in touch, but at eleven years of age, when are you ever so far out of reach!
Cell phone companies are increasingly targeting their marketing towards children as young as ten and eleven years old and parents are increasingly being pressured to give in.
No doubt Chloe will have a cell phone at a younger age than her older sister was given hers, but it won’t be because her friends have one, because she needs it to feel safe, because she’s bored or needs it to be happy. She will get one when the time is right and when she does, I will no longer be the meanest mother in the whole world. I will be lavished with hugs and kisses and told that I am the best - for that day, anyway!
Sara Dimerman is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and provides counselling to individuals, couples and families. She is the author of two parenting books, ‘Am I A Normal Parent?’ and ‘Character Is the Key’ and is one of North America’s leading parenting experts. Find out more at www.helpmesara.com.
Toys”R”Us, Canada launches national program to help reclaim unsafe baby products
- Great Trade-In event encourages parents to turn-in used cribs, strollers, car seats or travel systems in stores across Canada -
TORONTO, May 26 /CNW/ - Today, Toys”R”Us, Canada unveiled a national program aimed at removing used and potentially unsafe baby products from Canadian homes. The Great Trade-In event invites Canadians to turn-in their used cribs, strollers, car seats and travel systems at any Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us in exchange for savings on new products. The program is designed to call attention to that fact that certain baby products should not be handed down or resold due to potential safety issues.
According to safety experts, consumers should be cautious when purchasing or receiving second-hand children’s items as they may be unsafe or not meet today’s more stringent safety standards. According to Health Canada, some consumers may not be aware that their crib, stroller, car seat or travel system has been subject to a recall or advisory, potentially leaving dangerous products in the home. Beyond recalls, certain older and used baby merchandise can also be damaged or no longer compliant with updated safety standards.
“As a company, Toys”R”Us is committed to the safety of the children and families it serves,” said Kevin Macnab, President, Toys”R”Us, Canada. “Through the Great Trade-In, we hope to raise awareness of the importance of product safety and encourage parents to return old merchandise as a way to significantly reduce the number of potentially harmful products in circulation.”
The Great Trade-In event begins on Friday, May 28 and continues through Friday, June 11 at all Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us retail locations across Canada. During this time, stores will accept any used crib, car seat, stroller or travel system in exchange for 20 per cent savings on the purchase of a new crib, stroller, car seat or travel system from select manufacturers. Toys”R”Us will then ensure that the turned-in products are destroyed and disposed of responsibly.
“The health and safety of children is of the utmost priority to the Government of Canada. This initiative is an excellent opportunity to remind parents and families of the risks associated with using second-hand or older consumer products, especially those intended for children,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “We encourage all parents and caregivers to carefully inspect their cribs, strollers, car seats and travel systems and to ensure they meet current safety standards.”
Health Canada regulates child care equipment like cribs, car seats and strollers. These types of products may have been affected by recent enhancements in Canadian safety requirements, which may mean older products are less safe or non-compliant. For example, cribs made before 1986 may not meet current safety standards.
Some of the potential hazards associated with old and second-hand cribs, car seats and other baby products include:
- Car seats can sustain damage in a crash that may not be visible to the naked eye, but could prevent the seat from functioning properly;
- Car seats have expiration dates, as the materials can deteriorate over time, potentially making the car seat less effective in a crash. Parents can check with the car seat manufacturer to determine the recommended period of use for a particular car seat;
- Certain baby products are not considered safe to use if they were made prior to a particular manufacture date. For example, carriages and strollers made before 1985 may not meet current safety standards and should not be used.
- Products made of or that contain certain materials, like wood and plastic, can deteriorate from use and from exposure to weather conditions like heat, potentially compromising safety integrity; and
- Parts or instruction books for proper assembly, installation or use may be missing.
In addition, parents and caregivers should ensure that their products have not been subject to a recall or an advisory. For more information on consumer product recalls, please visit the Health Canada website at: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps-recalls. To learn more about second-hand products or those that have special safety requirements in Canada, please see Health Canada’s fact sheet on Second-Hand Products & Garage Sale Safety.
Consumers are often unaware of the history of a used baby product, leading safety organizations, such as Safe Kids Canada (www.safekidscanada.ca), the national injury prevention program of The Hospital for Sick Children, to recommend against purchasing products such as used car seats.
“It can often be difficult for consumers to determine whether used baby products are safe and with so many ways to purchase second-hand products, it is important for parents to be informed and vigilant when making purchasing decisions,” said Pamela Fuselli, executive director of Safe Kids Canada. “The Great Trade-In event is an opportunity for parents to look at the products they have and trade in old, recalled or dangerous products to make their homes safer.”
Manufacturers participating in the Great Trade-In event include Babi Italia, Baby Trend, Bily, Britax, Chanderic, Chicco, Combi, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Quinny, Safety 1st and Safety 1st LUX. Event participants can save 20 per cent on the purchase of a new crib, stroller, car seat or travel system from any of the aforementioned manufacturers at Babies”R”Us and Toys”R”Us stores nationwide on the day they trade in their used item.
Attention all parents: It’s time, once again, to pull out the pumpkin carving set and creepy crawler decorations in preparation for Halloween. I’m sure your house is already buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Children are eager to help plan out which costume to wear – from sparkling princess to goth or ghost, even wee ones are thrilled to play dress up and then parade up and down the streets, filling their bags with loot. This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday which means that little ghosts and goblins, princesses and pirates may be allowed to stay outside, weather permitting, a little later than on a school night. Bonus!
As your children mark off the days until Halloween, here are some tips to consider:
1. Always accompany young children on their trip around the neighbourhood. Those who have entered the double digits (ten and up) may not want you coming up to the door of each house, so you may linger back or walk behind your child and his or her group of friends, if they prefer.
2. Remind your teen about manners and about not taking advantage of being ‘tricky’ on Halloween night. Talk about the difference between a trick and vandalism. Remind them about showing respect – saying please and thank you, not pushing ahead of younger children and not ringing on doorbells late at night or when lights are turned out on the front porch.
3. Stay outside. Remind children that they should remain outside the house when accepting a treat. Even if they are invited inside to experience an amazing haunted adventure, they should resist the temptation to enter.
4. Choose a light and comfortable receptacle to carry candy. A large pillow case (decorated for Halloween even) is a great way for your child to lug all his loot. And if it gets too heavy, he can even throw it over his shoulder.
5. Stay safe. Be seen. Along with glow sticks or flashlights, encourage your children to wear some reflective or light coloured clothing so that they are easily visible to traffic. You can also add reflective tape to your child’s outfit. Also make sure that their outfits are made of material that is flame resistant and not too long so as to avoid tripping over.
6. A word about masks. Try to avoid those costumes that require masks that cover the entire face or eyes. Children need their eyes to guide them down dimly lit streets and small eye holes in masks are often not good enough to allow them to see their way safely as they walk. Make-up is a great alternative.
7. Sort through the goodies with an adult. When you and your children finally arrive back home, ask them to dump everything on the floor and sort through it. We usually make several piles: one of items they don’t want to keep (the smallest pile), one specifically for candies, another for bags of chips or popcorn and the last for miscellaneous items such as pencils. We also make sure that every item is in a sealed wrapper. Candies that are loose automatically get thrown away. Candies that cannot be identified also get thrown away.
8. Swapping candies. If you have more than one child, your children may choose to swap items with one another. One child may love chocolate but not chips, for example, and therefore may be happy to make an exchange. Monitor this to make sure that younger children are not being taken advantage of!
9. Forbidden fruit. I have found that if you whisk away the candies too soon or become too strict about how and when the children can have theirs, they crave them more – just like forbidden fruit. I have found that by just leaving the bowl of candy on the kitchen table post Halloween, the children often become immune to seeing it sit there and after a few days, lose interest and walk by it without reaching into it.
10. Respect differences. Some families choose not to take part in Halloween festivities because they believe that it is a Pagan holiday. Although it may be difficult to convince your children why anyone would not want to dress up and get goodies, encourage sensitivity and tolerance towards others’ beliefs. You may even want to become familiar with the story behind Halloween and how it came to be and then share some of this with your children.
Be safe and enjoy!
Sara Dimerman, Dip.C.S., C. Psych. Assoc., is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and provides counselling to individuals, couples and families out of the Parent Education Resource Centre, which she established almost twenty years ago in Thornhill, Ontario. Sara is the author of two parenting books - Am I A Normal Parent? (Hatherleigh Press, 2008) and ‘Character Is The Key?’ (Wiley & Sons, 2009). Sara is a sought after media expert - often quoted in newspapers, magazines and appears on radio and television across North America. Visit her website at www.helpmesara.com.
Parents co-sleep with their children for different reasons. These may include choosing to do it as a lifestyle choice or, rather, in response to their child’s sleeping problems. Many parents co-sleep, not necessarily by choice, but rather in response to their child’s sleep problems or in an attempt to solve sleep problems (also known as ‘reactive’ co-sleeping). Often these parents report that co-sleeping is not helpful, especially in the long-term. Research has shown that most children who share the same sleep space as their parents do not sleep through the night. This may be due to the child being disturbed by the presence of the parent including their noises and movements, and the fact that parents are more likely to respond to and reinforce wakings due to close proximity.
Room-sharing (rather than bed-sharing) is recommended for the first few months of life due to research showing an association with reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However there are a number of risks associated with co-sleeping which has led the Canadian Paediatric Society and our American counterpart - the American Academy of Pediatrics - to caution against it.
The concerns with co-sleeping are primarily because most often it is not done safely. The main concerns include children accidentally rolling off the bed, falling between the mattress and wall, or mattress and headboard, overheating due to soft materials on the bed (which is a risk factor for SIDS), accidental smothering due to soft materials on the parental bed (e.g., such as pillows, bedding), and less commonly, accidental smothering by a parent.
If deciding to co-sleep, safety should be the top priority. Depending on the age of your child, using a co-sleeper, which provides a separate sleep space for the child attached to the side of the parental bed, can help provide a safe environment for co-sleeping. For toddlers or preschoolers, it is often helpful to use guard rails on the parental bed to prevent falls. Consideration also needs to be given to ensure that everyone is getting enough sleep. As adults often do not go to bed between 7:00-8:00pm, co-sleeping may mean making compromises and putting yourself on your child’s schedule (rather than putting your child on your schedule).
From a behavioural perspective, co-sleeping can interfere with a child learning to fall asleep on his own. The importance of this skill is that often times children need to be able to do it at bedtime in order for them to be able to apply it during the night, when they naturally have brief arousals. Therefore, learning to fall asleep independently is an important step that is often necessary for children to achieve “sleeping through the night”. It is also a skill that all children need to learn at some point. The earlier that parents give their child the opportunity to learn the skill (but not before a full-term child is at least 3 months of age and healthy) the easier it is for them to learn.
The other, often necessary, steps for sleeping through the night are consistent and appropriate responding on the part of the parent(s). Many children will keep waking if their wakings are reinforced (e.g., they are fed, rocked, or brought to the parental bed).
It is not uncommon for parents of young children to allow their child to come into the parental bed following an early morning awakening (e.g., after 5:00am or whatever their cut-off may be). However, often times, what started out as an early morning awakening and a transition to the parental bed, has slowly crept earlier and earlier in the night. This is because the child has learned to associate waking with making this transition and can’t tell time! That is, instead of falling back to sleep following a partial arousal – which we all have 3-8 times a night – many of these children have learned that when they awake and call out, that they will be brought to the parental bed (and some may simply walk over themselves).
Also some children who start off the night, and spend a good portion of the night, in their own crib or bed, may not sleep well in the parental bed. This is because they are used to sleeping alone and may be disturbed by others. Some parents describe that their children seem to “outgrow” sleeping in this potentially stimulating environment. As the drive to sleep decreases over the course of the night, and light sleep is predominant in the last third of the night, it is not uncommon for children to have a more difficult time falling back asleep during the early morning hours, especially if the change of scenery is exciting!
When deciding when to stop co-sleeping or if you want to co-sleep in the first place, it is important to keep in mind that the earlier you transition your child to their crib or bed the easier the process will be for her (and you). If you decide that you would like your child to sleep in his own crib in the long-run it is recommended that you transition her by 3-6 months of age. As children get older, habits become more ingrained and therefore more difficult to change. And while a 2-month old may be unaware of the transition to her crib, an 8-month old would certainly be aware.
When I meet with parents who present with the goal of wanting to stop co-sleeping, I work with them to develop a sleep training program which involves setting a consistent and appropriate sleep schedule, and most importantly giving their child the opportunity to learn to fall asleep on her own at the start of the night and following night wakings (if she is not due to be fed).
Eliminating co-sleeping can be done gradually or all at once. Toddlers and pre-schoolers can sometimes benefit from the more gradual approach. This may include co-sleeping in the child’s room for the first few nights – ideally in a separate sleep space – to get them used to sleeping in their room for the entire night. Once they have this level of comfort, you can gradually move out of the room in a step-by-step fashion (e.g., sitting on a chair, sitting by the door) over 1-2 weeks. Research suggests that some children may start sleeping through the night once they start falling asleep independently. However, the same procedure can be done following night wakings, if necessary. Consistency is key for success!
Deciding whether to co-sleep or not is a personal decision and may depend on different factors for different families. For those who would like more information on safe sleep practices, see the Canadian Paediatric Society handout for parents (www.caringforkids.cps.ca – see Pregnancy & Babies - “Safe sleep for babies”).
Pleasant dreams!
Dr. Nicky Cohen is a Registered Psychologist in private practice in Toronto. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from York University and developed an interest in parenting issues related to children’s sleep disturbances after having her first child 5 years ago. She is active in the community disseminating information on healthy sleep practices and increasing awareness of the importance of making sufficient sleep a family priority. Dr. Cohen has held various research and clinical positions at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children, and the University Health Network (Toronto General Hospital). More information about Dr. Cohen’s work can be found at: www.kidsleep.ca.
Five Questions Every Parent Should Ask Before Selecting a Dance Studio
WRITTEN BY
Amanda Ramrup
Are you considering enrolling your child in dance lessons?
If so, you need to know that not all dance studios are the same.
Unfortunately, there are no licensing or certification requirements for dance studios or dance teachers in Canada. So it is important that parents choose carefully and wisely since improper training can result in injury and frustration for the student. To help you in your selection, Thornhill School of Ballet has prepared these “Five Questions Every Parent Should Ask Before Choosing a Dance Studio.”
Extracurricular activities for children are abundant and selecting one that is appropriate and a good fit for your child can be difficult. You want to be certain the activity is an educational and exciting one that will bring your child delightful memories and experiences for years to come. So how do you choose? What questions should you ask? And when you ask the right questions, what answers should you be looking for?
How do I know I will receive quality instruction?
It’s always important to make sure that your child’s instructors are qualified. Dance instructors are not licensed in this country - anyone can claim to be able to teach your child to dance. Look for someone who has professional dance training, holds a degree in dance, education or a related field from an accredited college or university, or is a certified member of a national organizations such as the Royal Academy of Dance. Any of these is a good indication that the instructor knows what to teach, when to teach it, and how it should be taught. A good school will follow a carefully designed syllabus of instruction in the teaching and well being of its students.
Ask about the Annual Performance.
An end-of-the year performance is important! It gives a dancer valuable stage experience, as well as the opportunity to use what they’ve learned during the year. Dance is, after all, a performing art! The year-end performance should be designed to compliment your child’s classroom training - not replace it. Preparation for the year end recital should begin approximately 16 weeks before the scheduled performance.
Ask about age appropriateness.
Music, costuming and choreography should all be reflective of a student’s age and ability level.
What should I look for in a dance facility?
A quality facility will provide a clean, neat, and safe environment and offer amenities such as a comfortable waiting area, full-length mirrors, sturdy ballet barres, adequate restrooms, and changing rooms. The single most important thing you should consider about a facility is the type of floor that is used. One of the best ways to enjoy dance safely is to select a school with floating floors which are specially designed to reduce fatigue and prevent injuries.
Ask about Customer Service and Assistance
In many studios the teachers or studio director conduct classes in addition to handling all administrative duties. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use valuable class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teachers are in class. To have a positive dance experience, it is important to select a studio that can assist you with your questions when you need them answered.
Amanda Ramrup is the owner/director of Thornhill School of Ballet. She has been responsible for educating hundreds of local area children in the art of dance for over a decade. She is available for questions at 905-882-9796.Thornhill School of Ballet is committed to providing our students with solid dance training in a caring and nurturing environment. We offer a complete curriculum ranging in classes for the preschool student to the pre-professional dancer. Programs of study include our highly successful Early Childhood Dance Program for students ages 3-6, our Enrichment Program for recreational dancers and our Intensive Program for serious students. Our college educated, professional faculty are affiliated with The National Ballet School, Banff School of Fine Arts, Waterloo, Ryerson and York Universities, Quinte Ballet School, Toronto Dance Theatre, the Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre.
WRITTEN BY
WRITTEN BY