Teaching Your Child About Cultural Diversity

The world is made up of all kinds of people.  Our children see and interact with people of many different races and ethnic groups every day.  Studies have shown that children begin to recognize gender and ethnic differences as early as 3 years of age.  It is our job to teach our children how to appreciate and value the qualities and differences that make each one of us unique.  Here are some helpful tips:

Create opportunities for your child to meet and play with children of different ethnicities, family structures, or socioeconomic backgrounds.

Help your child understand we are not all the same and we should appreciate each other's differences.  Talk about differences in a positive way to help children appreciate the unique qualities of all people.

Expose your child to artwork, foods, customs and books about different cultures.  Read your child books that teach tolerance and inclusion.  Here are some recommendations to get you started!

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Wonder by RJ Palacio 

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Jo Marie S.

It's Okay to be Different by Todd Parr

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

All the Colors of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka

A South African Night by Rachel Isadora

All the Way to America by Dan Yaccarino

Mama's Saris by Pooja Makhijani

The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania

The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss

"This is what kindness does, Ms Albert said.  Each little thing we do goes out, like a ripple, into the world." -Jacqueline Woodson, Each Kindness

Tell your child that even though another child may look different, eat different foods, and have different customs, we have more similarities than we do differences.  We all have hopes and dreams and feelings.  We should always treat each other with respect.

If you hear your child say something prejudicial about a person or group of people, tell your child that those kinds of words are hurtful to others and are totally unacceptable.  Children are not born to be hurtful to others of different ethnicities, family structures, or backgrounds.  Let's lead by example and make the world a more tolerant place!

Children's Classic is dedicated to bringing cultures together to teach peace, inclusion and equality!  We celebrate holidays, read books, and talk about different cultures from all around the world.  If you or someone you know speaks a different language or practices different customs that what your children are used to, we would LOVE to have them come to our centers and introduce them to the children!

Sincerely,

Your Children's Classic family

Your Child's Development: 12 Months

Hello Friends!

Over here on the blog we will be sharing all sorts of helpful information for you as a parent!  We have shared food and recipe ideas, activities, projects we are working on at Children's Classic and we will continue to share a variety of different things to keep you informed as a parent and hopefully we can spark some ideas for you and your family!  One of the things we want to be able to do for you in offer parenting tips and development information.  Hopefully this will help you stay informed as you navigate raising your ever changing children!

Today we are sharing some helpful information about busy and adorable 12 month old children!  Maybe your child is around 12 months, you have had one or will have one or know someone who does.  Wherever you find yourself, I hope you can gain from this information. Most importantly we we hope you will offer some of your parenting expertise so we can all learn from YOU! These are simply ideas and guidelines but we know all children develop at their own pace, which is how it should be.

What do children typically do at 12 months?

When children are developing, they do so at different rates; some slower and some faster.  It is normal for children to be off a few months developmentally than their peers.  No need to worry if your child hasn't quite hit these milestones.  If you are concerned, call your doctor and see what they suggest!  Here are some of the milestones you can expect to see from your 12 month old.

SOCIAL / EMOTIONAL / COMMUNICATION

• Repeats sounds or actions to attract attention

• exhibits apprehension or fear in some situations

• Shy or wary around strangers

• May display separation anxiety - cries when mom or dad leaves

• Has favorite people and favorite things

• Likes to play "peek-a-boo" or other interactive games

• Hands you a book when he or she wants to be read to

• will cooperate during dressing by putting out arm or leg to help

• Uses simple gestures like shaking head "no" or waving "bye-bye"

• Modulates sounds to imitate speech

• Responds to simple spoken requests or directions such as "pick up the ball"

• Says "mama", "dada" and "uh-oh!" or other speech associations to things and people 

• Starts to use objects for their intended purpose such as brushing hair or drinking from a cup

• Shakes, bangs or throws objects while exploring what the objects are

• Looks right at a picture or thing when named

• Easily finds hidden things, understands object permanence 

• Lets go of objects without help

• Pokes things with index finger

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

• Gets into sitting position without help

• Pulls up to stand, walks holding onto furniture

• May attempt to take a few steps without holding on

• May stand alone, sometimes without realizing it

• May try to climb on furniture

• Puts things in and out of a container

• Holds an object in each hand and bangs them together

What are some helpful parenting tips as I raise my 12 month old?

Diapering

Learn the signs! Try to notice signs your baby needs changing, for instance, if he recently ate a meal or drank a full bottle, if he's pulling or tugging at his diaper, he's fussing' or he just seems uncomfortable. Take time to talk and create a routine-  "How's my big boy? Lets check your diaper!" Describe what you are doing while you are doing it.  "Let's get this soggy diaper off and put on a nice dry one."  Following a similar routine at each changing helps your child know what to expect. Be patient! Babies can be little wiggle worms on a changing table, but don't worry, as their physical skills develop, you'll get a lot faster too.  Talk to you child throughout the entire changing process. Give choices! Keep a few plastic toys or rattles near the changing table and ask baby which one he'd like to play with; this may distract him from wiggling and make the whole process much easier.

Dressing

Talk while you dress your child.  Use positive words.  "Ryan, do you want to wear your blue or yellow shirt today?" "Let's put on your blue socks to match your blue shirt!" Be patient and have fun. Remember a squirming baby isn't trying to make your life more difficult, they are just dingin out what their little bodies can do.  Clap hands when finished dressing, "Yay! Ryan is dressed and all ready to play!" Plan on extra time.  If you have to be somewhere with a baby at a specific time, such as a doctor's visit or family gathering, always leave extra time to get ready.  Always have more than one outfit ready.  Spit-up happens! It happens often when you least expect it. Always pack an extra outfit for baby when you go anywhere.  I am sure you know this by now but it is always a good reminder!

Feeding

At one year old your baby may be eating most of her meals in the highchair.  Your baby may be completely weaned from breastfeeding or the bottle, or only taking a bottle occasionally at nap or bed time.  You may miss these special times with your baby, but it is all part of growing up.  There are other things to look forward to, and you will still want to make meal times a pleasant experience.  It will be fun to see how your baby reacts to different foods, and eventually learns how to use a spoon to feed herself.  Be prepared for messes, and always have a towel or washcloth handy.  Offer your baby a wide variety of healthy foods.  Talk to your baby throughout the meal, tell baby about the food, "Mmmm those are carrots, you can eat carrots like a big girl!" Consider this an "experimental" period, pay close attention to the kinds of foods your baby likes.  Don't force her to eat things she doesn't like.  Mealtimes should be pleasant, not a battle of wills.

Resting

Your child's rest schedule should be relatively the same each day.  As your baby gets older, he may require less sleep and want to be awake more.  Take a cue from your child and eliminate naps he doesn't seem to need.  Create a routine, check you baby's diaper, perhaps read him a story or sing a lullaby to help him transition to nap time.  Let other caregivers know what your child's schedule is.  Whether your baby is in daycare or being cared for by a family member occasionally, knowing the child's sleepy times and fussy times will help them understand your baby's needs and feel more confident in caring for them.  Take time for yourself.  New moms will benefit from napping while baby is napping.  Just taking time to put your feet up, grab a healthy snack, or read a magazine, can do wonders to help you re-charge.  Taking care of an active one year old all day is hard work!

Playing

Humans are social creatures and babies are wired to seek interaction with their caregivers.  Daily play time with your baby reinforces the adult-child bond, helps your baby discover new things, and promotes communication.  Talk about what you are doing. "Let's play with the blocks!"  "Roll the green ball to me!" Encourage your baby's interests.  Whatever she is interested in playing with, show her what to do and encourage her to explore further.  "Look you can stack the blocks, then you can knock them over!"  Have fun with your child.  Sing, read, and laugh together.  Really take time to enjoy one another's company!

We hope this was helpful.  Stay tuned for more parenting tips and tricks!

Save on Child Supplies!

From infancy through college kids sure need a lot of supplies; diapers, cribs, strollers, car seats, clothes, shoes, books and tuition, the list goes on and on.  Let's be honest...these necesities can be expensive!  Most kids out grow these items before they wear them out.  How do you keep up with their constantly changing needs without breaking the bank?  Here are some great places to "shop" smart:

Family and Friends

Family and friends should be your very first stop.  Most parents are happy to lend or even give away that bouncy seat, stroller or playpen they are not currently using.  The same goes for clothes their kids have outgrown.  Jeans and sturdy play clothes can usually be handed down several times before the start to show wear.  You save money, they get rid of clutter, and its a win-win situation!  (have owners label or initial clothing if they want items returned to them.)  Keeping it "in the family" provides an added pleasure when cousins observe, "I used to wear that jacket when I was little."

Resale/Thrift Shops

These types of shops are a great resource.  You can find great treasures in these places it is just a matter of looking!  You can find good, "almost new" looking kids clothing and even shoes for a fraction of what you'd pay in a store.  The Salvation Army and Goodwill Stores often have weekly of holiday sales and "back to school" promotions where they will charge $5 for as many items as you can fit in a paper grocery bag.  It pays to stop by these establishments frequently as you'll often find unexpected bargains or items your kids can "grow into."  You can also find bargains on children's furniture and toys.  Other second hand stores that are worth checking out are Kid to Kid and Deseret Industries.

Garage Sales

This time of year in booming with garage sales!  Keep your eyes out for those around your neighborhood.  Sometimes the will be advertised in local papers, shopping guides and social media.  If the sale is in your area, you may even know some of the neighborhood kids who have just out grown the sizes your kids need.  Arrive early for the best selection!

Mom to Mom Sales

Have you tried this?!  This is one of my favorites.  We are all in this together and as mothers we like to help each other out.  These types of sales have become very popular as they focus mainly on clothing and supplies.  Baby furniture and car seats are also a hot item at these sales (before purchasing a used car seat ALWAYS check the expiration date and ask if it has ever been involved in a car accident).  Check Consumer's Report to make sure items meet current safety standards.  These types of sales are often sponsored by elementary schools, churches, daycare centers and neighborhood associations.  Another way to find mom to mom sales in through social media.  There are many facebook groups that are put together by moms in your area where you can buy and sale items there.  I recently bought my sons crib this way and got a great deal!  Another online way to find things for less in through KSL classifieds.  You can search any item you are in need of and find someone in your area who is selling it.  You can also sell your items through KSL and make some extra cash to purchase what you need.  I highly recommend this way!

Sports Swaps

Sports swaps can save you a ton of money on expensive sports items.  As with clothing, kids often out grow sports equipment within a year.  A complete set of hockey or football gear can often be swapped for a different size with another bargain hunter, without any money chaning hands. most attendees arrange their own deals based on the condition of the dquipment.  An advertised event promotes a large turnout of interested buyers and sellers.  Keep your eyes open for these types of events and bring your little sports fan along to try on ice skates or skis.

Church & Community Pantries & Women's Shelters

These places often have a selection of baby items and children's clothing of rfamilies in need, at little to no cost.  These organizations will gladly accept donations if you have outgrown clothing you'd like to pass on.

I hope this was helpful!  What other resources have you discovered for saving on your child's many needed supplies and clothing?  We would love to hear your ideas!

Farm to Pre-School

Hello Children's Classic family!  

One of the things all kids have in common is curiosity.  Have you ever met a child that isn't curious about his or her environment with a need to explore and learn?  I sure haven't!  Even our babies are curious about that drawer mom always gets into or that butterfly that keeps flying around.  They look at new things with so much wonder and most will stop at nothing to figure out how things work and what things do.  

I can't think of a better way to keep that curiosity alive in our children than to plant a garden and have them be the gardener!  We all eat food, why not find out where that food comes from?  Why not be the ones to grow that food and watch it transform into something beautiful and yummy that our kids can fully experience? 

That is what we have been working on here at Children's Classic!  Both of our schools have been working on a project called Farm to Preschool.  Have you heard of it? We are so excited about it over here!  We have our own living gardens that your children are planting, watering, growing, harvesting and then eating!  They are learning to make smoothies with the strawberries and soup with the vegetables.  We couldn't be more excited about how much they are learning as they watch and actively participate in the process of growing a garden at preschool!  Here are some photos of our Farm to Preschool in action!

Let's try this at home! It doesn't take much space, a 4x4 foot space is manageable for most kids.  You can even plant in flower boxes or pots, pretty much any container will do.  Some plants are easier than others to grow.  Here is a list of some of the easiest to get you started!

6 Easy Plants for Kids to Grow

Green Beans

Green beans are one of the easiest plants to grow in your garden because they don't require very much maintenance! All you need to do is plant the some seeds in an area that will receive plenty of sunlight and sow every couple weeks.  The only thing other than that is the watch them grow!

Peas

Your child can plant these indoors in a small pot and when they start to grow, transfer them to some good soil outdoors.  It is so rewarding for kids to grow veggies because they get to eat what they grow, and who doesn't love peas?

Strawberries

Strawberries are another really fun one for kids to grow.  It is best to plant them in the Spring time!

Radishes

Radishes are one of the most fun plants for kids to grow because the sprout quickly.  They will likely see sprouts pop up usually within a week of planting.  Your child will be able to harvest their lovely radishes within 20 to 30 days!

Pumpkins

You may need a little more space for this one but just like radishes, pumpkins are a kid favorite because they sprout quickly.  They take up more room of course but how fun would it be to grow your own pumpkin to carve for Halloween!

Carrots

Kids love carrots so why not teach them how to grow them! Carrots need cool soil without big rocks so they can grow.  They usually are ready to be harvested in about one month from when planted.  

Explain to your kids that plants can grow above or below ground and the best part of growing your own garden is you have so many options!  They will love choosing what they want to grow and hopefully take ownership of that choice as they garden.

Some more "above ground" choices for kids are:  tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons and eggplant.

Some other "below ground" options are: onions, potatoes and beets.

There are even delicate plant options such as lettuces and spinach which may take some trial and error but it is fun for kids to go out and "pick" some salad greens for dinner.

**Remind them to water, weed and check on their plants regularly.  This is a great activity for children to see how things grow and understand how "farmers" contribute to the food chain.  When you help children plant seeds, you help them sprout their interest in nature!

Happy planting!  Let us know what plants you and your children are growing in your garden!

Sincerely,

Shalyse 

20 Healthy Summer Snacks for Kids

Hello there!  

I hope your children are staying cool at the pool or even running through sprinklers, I know we have been over here!  Is it just me or does it seem like kids want to eat more in the summer?  We are always on the go and I feel like I am scrounging to find something to give my son to eat before we are off the next activity.  Well, the snacks we give our children don't have to be full of sugar, fat and empty calories (like I find most packaged and quick snacks to be). We can offer them something so much better!  

Here is a list of some healthy, easy to make snacks for kids (and parents too!) These quick "go-to" ideas are bound to help busy moms and dads like you and me develop healthy snacking habits in our kids.  So, here you go!

20 Healthy Summer Snacks:  

1.  Jazzed Up Rice Cakes

Add some peanut butter and bananas to your rice cakes!  

2.  Quesadillas 

Make these with whole grain tortillas, cheese, chicken and beans. I recommend going heavy on the beans, light on the cheese.

3.  Real Fruit Popsicles 

Use a popsicle mold or even a plastic or paper cup.  Fill it with 100% juice from concentrate, water and chopped pieces of your child's favorite fruit.  Stick a popsicle stick in it and let freeze!

4.  Fresh Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

Pick your child's favorite fruits and make these super easy kabobs.  Make it even more fun by using cookie cutters to cut cheese into fun shapes.

5.  Cottage Cheese Bowl

Just 1/2 cup cottage cheese with dried apricot "scoops" or fresh apricots are even better!

6.  Whole Grain Cereal & Fresh Fruit

Keep it simple! Whole Grain Cheerios or Mini Wheats don't just have to be for breakfast.

7.  Green Rolls-ups

Wrap some meat and cheese in some lettuce and snack away!

8.  Frogs on a Log or Ants on a Log

Frogs on a Log- celery, cream cheese & sliced green olives. 
Ants on a Log- celery, peanut butter & raisins.

9.  Homemade Trail Mix

Mix dry roasted peanuts or almonds, whole grain mini pretzels, banana chips & diced apricots or raisins for a nutritious trail mix...and then head to the trails, why not?

10.  Salsa and avocado slices.

This one is just that simple.

11.  Frozen Grapes

Stick some grapes in the freezer and you have a great alternative for slush.  It's kind of nature's version of dippin' dots just a little (or a lot) bigger.  Your kids (and you) will love it!

12.  Air Pop Popcorn 

Make an activity out of snack time and let your kids watch you air pop some good ol' fashioned popcorn!  Skip the butter and sugar and just add some spices from your spice rack to jazz it up a bit. Get creative!

13.  Veggies & Dip

Mix some plain yogurt with ranch dip mix and dip your veggies in it.  Don't forget about broccoli --dinosaur trees ;) and cauliflower.  Your veggies don't always have to be carrots and celery!

14.  Graham Cracker Pizza

Did I hear pizza??  Yep!  Graham cracker pizza that is.  Get out those graham crackers and spread some cream cheese and sprinkle some fruit fruit on top.  Bon Apetito!

15.  Summer Smoothies

This is my go to and my most favorite from the list! I love how creative you can get with smoothies and you can even sneak things in that are healthy for the kids that they normally won't eat, like spinach!  Start with a base of nonfat yogurt or milk, add any frozen or fresh fruit, honey, ice (spinach if you are feeling brave) and...viola!  

16.  Petite Pitas 

All there is to it is eggs and salsa put into a whole grain pita!

17.  Veggies and Hummus

Refer to #13 for my suggestion on veggie choice! Oh, and might I add that sliced peppers are delicious in hummus.  Hummus is at your local grocery store or you can make your own! It is truly a delicious and healthy snack. Your kids will be eating beans and therefore getting protein without even knowing it. That is a win in my book!

18.  Frozen Banana Popsicle 

Put a peeled banana on a popsicle stick, freeze and you got a healthy popsicle.  Add some dark chocolate and nuts or frozen fruit to jazz it up a bit!

19.  Ham & Cheese Roll-ups 

Ham, cheese, lettuce and whole wheat tortilla all wrapped up!

20.  Apple Cupcakes

Slice an apple in half, on the flat side spread some peanut/almond butter and sprinkle dried fruit or even dark chocolate chips on top.

 

**Bonus Summer Snack: NICE CREAM!

This one is too good I couldn't leave it off the list so we will call it a bonus!  Get some very ripe frozen bananas, put in a blender and you will have the BEST, healthiest and sweetest ice cream.  Yep, no sugar or dairy added.  I am going to go make some right now!




I hope you find this list helpful!  What healthy summer snacks do you feed your children? We would love to know!


Sincerely,

Shalyse

Out of the House and Into Nature!

Summer is in full swing and there is no better way to experience this beautiful season than to spend time outside with our families!  

If you are like me, you enjoy being outside and you would be thrilled if your kids loved it as much as you do.  For some kids, putting down that electronic device and getting into nature can seem equivalent to doing chores...and let's be honest, convincing them that it is a good idea can be a chore for us parents as well.  The good news is that's what I am here for! Today's post is full of ideas to get your children out of the house and into the dirt, sand, rocks, grass or whatever else they can safely explore in nature.  

Let's Go For a Nature Walk

Having a great time outside can be as easy as going on a simple nature walk!  I recently came across this fun blog that includes 100 Things to do Before, During or After a Nature Walk. 

The author, Jimmie, has created this list to help parents like you and me provide an experience for our children that will help expand their minds and encourage them to get outside!  The best part about her list is it includes a variety of fun and easy ideas. 

Her list includes things like:

• Construct a pond viewer with instruction on how to do so

• Create and use a scavenger hunt list while on your walk

• Build a fort

• Make fairy homes like this

• Look at things through a magnifying glass

• Make and wear a nature bracelet

• Imagine and tell stories using mythical creatures that could inhabit your forest

Click here to read all of Jimmie's ideas for creating a fun and engaging nature walk experience for you and your children!

Find a Trail

A friend recently recommended an amazing app that I will be using over and over again this summer.  It is the All Trails app.  Have you heard of it?  Have you used it?  Are you as excited as I am to discover new trails in our beautiful area?  I can't wait to use this app all summer!  Let me tell you a little about it and then hurry over and get it so you and your children can get out and discover a new trail!  

This app gives you a list of trails in your area no matter where you are!  You can see maps, read reviews, look at pictures, difficulty levels, trail lengths and rating.  You will know exactly where you are taking your children to explore.  You can even turn on your GPS and follow your trail so you and the kids don't get lost.  So cool!!  There is also a website so you can access information to trails on your computer as well!

Here are some trails I found in the Ogden area that you and your kids may love to explore!

Gibbs Trail

4.3 miles 

Gibbs Trail is an out and back trail near Ogden, Utah.  It is filled with beautiful wild flowers and is easy enough for all skill levels.  Dogs are allowed which can make this activity even more fun if you bring your dog along!  Check out more details about Gibbs Trail here.

Waterfall Canyon

2.5 miles

Who doesn't love a waterfall? Waterfall canyon has a little bit of a climb but if you go slow your kids should make it up just fine.  There are some flat trails at the base of this trail where they can explore before or after you hike to the top!  This is a fun trail for the whole family with a great views and a beautiful waterfall.  Click here to learn more about this beautiful trail.

Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area

4.2 miles

If you live out west or are looking for an easy and flat trail you could check out this fun place! It is primarily used for nature walking, canoeing and bird watching.  The only downside is there aren't trees that offer shade so bring a lot of water and I recommend going during the cooler time of the day. To see more photos, read reviews and find a map click here!

Bonneville Shoreline Trail

11 miles 

(make it as short or long as you want)

Before you count this trail out because of how long it is just hear me out!  This trail is amazing.  It is an easy trail and you have beautiful views the entire time.  It is kid friendly and you may even find wildflowers along the way.  Make this trail as short or as long as you would like. Here is a link to more information on this trail!

Some of the best trails are off the beaten path.  Your kids may love exploring in the field in your back yard or even at the park.  The most important thing is that they EXPLORE and get out in nature this summer!

What trails do you and your family love?  Which activity did you try with your kids and was it successful?  Comment below and share to receive a free Contigo water bottle!  Happy trails!!

Sincerely,

Shalyse