Hand Washing

At my daycare, we do a lot of hand washing. At first it was to protect the kids with food allergies, but then it became a habit.

We always wash hands: Every time we enter the house, before and after eating, after using the bathroom, before nap time, after crafts, before and after cooking (and during if those fingers make their way into noses, mouths, ears, etc).

I love to use foaming soap for my daycare kids. It makes hand-washing more fun and more effective. The foam covers their hands a lot better and I feel like it gets more of the germs off.

At first I was buying the kandoo brand of soap but it got super expensive. Especially with very excited kids who used WAYYYYY too much (or painted my walls with it!) . However, I love the bottle since it is easy for little kids to dispense from. I was thrilled to find out that it's easy to make your own!

Now what I do is: Pour a little bit of hand soap into the bottle. Maybe fill it up about an eighth of the way with this. Then add 4 drops of food colouring (optional). Next fill it very slowly with water, just until it reaches the fill line. Close it and give it a little shake, pump some out until it changes colour. If its still not colourful enough, add more food colouring. Just don't add too much or it will stain everyone's hands. and Voila! The same stuff at a fraction of the cost!

Another thing we do when washing hands, is sing a version of "Twinkle twinkle little star" that I found online at: "http://www.dobugsneeddrugs.org/schools/twinkleprint.pdf"
They also have great posters to print off!

"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Look how clean my two hands are
Soap and water Rub and Dub
Get those germs off scub, scrub, scub
Twinkle twinkle little star
Look how clean my two hands are"

5 chemistry experiments that even toddlers will love!

I have always loved science. I was never really any good at it in high school, but I still really enjoyed my chem classes! I love to do science experiments with the kids and the ones who appreciate it the most are the little ones toddler-kinders. Here a few for pint-sized Einsteins:

1- Good old Vinegar and Baking Soda:

They may not understand (or care for that matter) why it happens, but they LOVE the way the vinegar and baking soda react together. I like to put the vinegar in smaller containers (ice cube trays work great!) and let the kids spoon baking soda into it. The activity lasts a bit longer this way. Another cool way to do it, is the opposite. Fill a shallow but wide bin (like a sensory box) with baking soda and let them pour the baking soda into it.

For groups of kids- a sensory box with ice cube trays or small containers with vinegar works great! Have a bowl of baking soda or 2 for the kids to spoon from.

For one of two kids, put one small bowl inside a larger bowl to catch the overflows.

2. Sensory Bottles/ Wave in a bottle

Use a clean, clear, re-closable bottle. Add beads, glitter or small plastic toys to the bottle. Pour in some food colouring and fill it half way with water. Fill the rest of the bottle with cooking oil. We used vegetable oil since it was inexpensive and we have lots of it on hand. It is also non-toxic in case of spills or leaks.

The water and oil won't mix. The kids love shaking the bottles and watching the mixture separate again or making waves with them.

3. Goup:

Mix cornstarch and water (more or less- twice as much cornstarch as water) and you have a solid liquid! Hours of fun! Warning- This is a messy one! If you don't mind stained hands, you could add food colouring to the water before mixing it in.

4.   Kitchen Chemistry:

My monkeys love this one! You find a bunch of different little bowls and fill them with different kitchen ingredients. I usually use flour, baking soda, baking powder, instant oatmeal, cornstarch, tapioca flour, cornmeal, etc. Then fill a bunch of little cups with: water, juice, lemon juice, vinegar, milk, etc. Spread out a garbage bag or tablecloth, give the kids some mixing bowls and spoons and let them take the lead. Close supervision is required of course and I am usually ready with a wipe in my hand to avoid things getting into eyes.

 

5. Milk "Fireworks" 

Fill a shallow bowl with milk and add a single drop of different food colouring colours. Put a small dab of dish soap (sunlight works great!) on the index finger of the child and then have them touch the milk. The colours will "explode" away from the finger and mix all together. Its very pretty and the kids love it!

COOKED PLAYDOUGH RECIPE

In a pot mix:

-3 cups of flour
-3/4 cup of salt
-3 tsp cream of tartar
-Pack of kool-aid powder or a tablespoon or so

Add:
-3 cups of warm water
-3 Tbsp of cooking oil
-2 Tbsp of imitation vanilla

Mix until smooth then heat on low-medium heat while stiring constantly until thick and not sticky.

Remove from heat, and allow to cool to a warm temperature and then mix it up with your hands to even it out.

Store in an airtight container. I have had this last for 6 months or so if stored properly!

Snow Day Activities

Remember your school days when you get to school to find out that you have a test that you didn't study for? Well, the daycare provider's equivalent is the snow day! A full day of activities for a larger range of ages that you didn't prepare for! Here are a few ideas to keep the monkey's happy:

1- Playdough! Here is my favorite recipe! It keeps for a long time when it is in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container.

2- Mr. Potato Head. Hold a fashion show complete with music and commentary. It'll provide everyone with fun and giggles. Take turns with the one who dresses him, walks him down the runway, and who gives the commentary. Film it and watch it again!

3. Sensory Play- Kids of all ages love this! They tend to get very creative with games they could play too. Don't forget that clean-up is part of the activity. Give everyone brooms, dustpans, wet clothes, spray bottles (no chemicals, please!). See how clean they could get it or how fast they could do it.

4. Set up an obstacle course. Have the kids climb under tables, around chairs, over piles of pillows, through hoola hoops, etc. For older kids use a timer. For younger kids play games like "We're going on a bear hunt" and narrate as you go "crawl through the forest, Over the beaver dam, etc"

5. Bake something. Let the kids flip through a cookbook and choose it themselves, or try something new. For older kids, make something challenging like perogies or pizza pockets. You could chop potatoes, brush them with olive oil and let them season them with whatever they want. All dressed chips anyone?

6. Go outside and paint the snow!

7. Write a story with your kids. Have them draw pictures or act them out with costumes and props then take pictures. Make a photo book of the story on  shutterfly or another photobook company.

8. Clean your toys or do a toy car wash! Fill a large bin with warm water and soap and put it on a towel laid floor. Let the kids clean anything that is cleanable (explain that paper items, electronics, and fabric toys must not used). They will have a great time giving all their toys baths.

9. Have a dance party. Play games like freeze dance. Add props like balloons, long ribbons to twirl, or large sheets of tissue paper to dance with.

10. Challenge your kids to build the biggest tower they can using any items they can get their hand on. Some ideas are marshmallows and toothpicks, shoes, or even people (human pyramid!)

11. Go outside and play in the snow!

Air Travel with a tiny tot

My husband and I have a passion for travel that started shortly after we met. It began with overnight trips to Niagara Falls, Quebec city, Montreal, and other places accessible by car and close enough for a my teenage self to sneak in before my parents noticed I was gone. Once we had explored our surrounding area, we decided to see the rest of the world.

In February 2007, Patrick brought me to Europe for the first time and proposed on the top of the Eiffel tower. It was an unforgettable trip! We took only our backpacks, stayed in a hostel and walked until our legs were numb. But I will never forget it.

Fast forward 5 years...

Im now 25 years old, have a 17 month old little girl and Im 5 and a half months pregnant with my little boy. We've actually travelled more since having my daughter and, though its a different experience, we are still loving it! There are a few things we've learned, though:

1. Bring a parent or someone who can help out if possible. If not, designate a certain period of time every day or two for each parent to have a break alone.
2. Change your expectations. Make your goal to simply have a good time and bond with your family. You will be disappointed if you set out to relax or see certain monuments or historic sites in depth. But if you keep your mind on the fact that you just want to have fun and spend quality time with your loved ones, you can't fail.
3. Prepare as much as possible and be flexible.

Our first trip with my daughter was in January 2011 when she was 5 months old. We flew to Maui to celebrate my brother's wedding. We were pretty nervous to do it, but it is one of those things that I just couldn't miss. Let me tell you, this is the best best best time to travel! The trick with getting over nerves of travelling with an infant is similar to jumping into a cold lake. Just close your eyes and Jump! Just book it. Deal with the nerves and the worries after, but just book it so its done. It will not be as bad as you can imagine.

With a young baby, its very easy- First of all, they sleep a lot. They also sleep anywhere and are very adaptable. Second of all, they don't really care where you go, or what you do, so you get to make all the decisions. Honestly, it doesn't get any better than that! So go for it!

With a toddler, it does get more complicated, but it could still be a pleasant experience if you prepare.

On the airplane:
- Make sure that your kid is sucking on something during take off and landing. It could be a pacifier, a bottle, a boob.. whatever! But it will keep their ears from popping and keep them from a painful flight(as well as everyone else on the plane). I filled my daughter's trickiest sippy cup (where she has to really suck hard) with some apple juice. We dont usually give her juice so its a special treat. When she was younger we just put her milk in a slow nipple bottle so she had to suck hard as well. Having a few options on hand (literally in your hand since you can't unpack your luggage during take-off and landing) will be helpful. We made sure to keep milk in a bottle, juice in a sippy cup, and 2 soothers (since one might get thrown) in our pouch just in case. Worked like a charm
-  Do not rely on the tv's onboard for entertainment since not all plane have them, and if they do, they might not work, or they might not be the right show. Serenity pointed to the tv and asked for Dora...She was not pleased when Caillou came on instead. We bought a pair of headphones in advance with the headband part on them since they only sell the kind that fit in your ears on the plane. She wouldn't wear them, so that was a waste of $20.. But if you're kid will tolerate them, then make sure to pick them up in advance!
- Pick up new toys and books and save them for the flight. We went to boomerang kids, a local consignment shop that sells used toys and books, and picked up a bunch of small, fun looking toys. We brought our daughter and let her pick out the ones that looked fun. We saved a lot by buying them used, and we knew they would be a hit. Once they go through the cash, they go away until you are on the plane so they are exciting and new.
- If your child is being especially loud or kicking the seat in front, consider buying a drink for that person or the people next to you. I have heard of people bringing earplugs on the plane with them to pass out to anyone who may want them.
- Bring of a change of clothes for you and and your child. The possibilities are endless when it comes to bodily fluids (or even spilled drinks) from a small child. You will want to be prepared.
- Bring your own empty sippy cups and have the flight attendants pour your child's drink in them instead of a plastic cup. Or, fill it up at the airport after you get through security.
- Bring enough diapers to last 2 days. I have had my luggage lost when I had packed lightly. When there are no stores open, and a child that pooped through them all. It is not worth it! Pack the essentials for the flight in a small accessible bag under the seat in front of you and put the extras in the larger carry-on in the overhead bins.
-Bring your stroller and gate check it. Life is so much easier when you have a free hand and a back that isnt too sore from carrying around a baby.
- Dont check your carseat. They get chucked around and could be damaged without your knowledge. I have seen them thrown from platforms. If they are useless after a small rear-ending accident, then this most certainly will affect them.
-Always pack extra pacifiers. We packed 10 on our last trip and lost all but one which we accidently left in the stroller when we gate checked it. It was not the best flight. A pacifyer clip is very helpful as well as some wet-one wipes or pacifyer clips for when they are dropped.
-If your are bringing your carseat on the plane, consider getting one of these

Fun in the air:

When she was younger (5 months), we got my daughter:
- some books with flaps and sensory patches
- some teething toys (who were we kidding, she still doesnt have teeth!)
- some wind up toys that could scitter along the tray
- mirrors (babyproof ones that won't be deemed as a weapon), and things like that. p-0l
But mostly she just slept and had milk and looked around.

At a year old (12 months) we packed:
- Flash cards. Pull them out one at a time and talk about each one: "This is a lion! He says: "rawwwwrrrr!" Do you see his fur? Where is his tail? Look there it is..." and when they get bored, pull out the next one. If you have 20 in a box, it could actually keep them busy for a really long time!)
- Books with flaps
- Playdough (under 100ml)
- Puppets
- Hide and seek puzzles (We have this one and it goes to every restaurant with us)
- Small wind up toys (chattering teeth, animals that hop, etc)
- A small soft photo album with pictures of people your baby knows, animals, and things that they like

Ideas for an 18 month old
- A bunch of pennies and 2 paper or plastic cups. Your child will love putting them into the cups and taking them out. For a new game, turn the cup upside down and poke a slit in the bottom (use keys if you have them) to make a "piggy bank" There will be no bottom, but your child will fitting the pennies in the hole and lifting the to find them hiding underneath.
- Crayola Colour Wonder paper and markers- Draws only on the paper! (Thank God, or the tv would have been coloured on!)
- Look and Find Books- This was the favorite- http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Rescue-Adventure-J-Studios/dp/1412764912/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327032542&sr=1-1
- Portable DVD player with new Dora dvd or whatever your child's favorite might be
-Wrap new toys in paper bags like presents! Open one per hour. Decorate the bags. Let your child listen to the crinkle of them, feel the paper, look at all the stickers, etc. Remember, this is intended to keep them busy for as long as possible. Apparently security wont allow wrapped items onto the plane, so this is why the bags might be a better option. Pack them separately and do not seal them.
-Make puppets out of the puke bags
-Magnadoodle
-Stickers
- A pen or crayons
-Play finger games such as: The itsy bitsy spider, this little piggy, round and round the garden. Look them up online and print them off. You probably wont remember them all when you will need them.
- Dont be ashamed to sing your child's favorite songs. The other passengers will surely rather hear the wheels on the bus instead of hours of screaming.

Whatever your experience, just remember, it wont last forever. You will eventually reach your destination and it will all be worth it! Good luck and have a great flight!

Serenity, 5 months old, en route to Hana, Maui. (This was in the car, but we dont have any in flight photos, so it will have to do!)

Self motivation to never slow down

I am very excited to start this project. I'm sincerely hoping that I will have the time and dedication to keep it up. My life is a busy one and it would be great to share my days and adventures (big and small) with the world.

Maybe I should introduce myself... I am a 25 year old (girl...woman...chick...Lady?) in suburban Ottawa with my 1.5 kids (one's still cooking), husband and 2 mouthy cockatiels. I make my share of our living by doing home daycare. I love it! My husband is always complaining about the added mess, but my days are pretty fulfilling and not to mention fun. I love it!

I would like to target this blog to young and energetic moms. Those who aren't afraid of a little mess or fun mix of adventure in their lives. It is also a nice way to keep myself going. Anyone who has ever worked with kids, knows that they are unpredictable. You could spend hours of preparation to be greeted by a cranky kid that pouts out their lip and refuses to do anything but play barbies that day. Other times the kids will LOVE what you've prepared but will have enjoyed into destruction in less time then you could explain it to them.. It will be nice to have a place to document these ideas (and their reactions just for fun) so that I could keep motivated to have fun with them even on those grumpy, pouty days... And let the ideas live longer then their attention spans:)