Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Saturday, March 25
Inspire Kids to Give Back and Make a Difference
For her public speech this year, Olivia decided to talk about ways that kids can give back. She's hoping you will show it to your children (and/or students) to inspire them as well! Please feel free to share!
Friday, March 24
5 Tips To Start Your Child Reading
You know I love a good guest post, and as a parent and kindergarten teacher I thought this topic, from these two authors, was very appropriate!
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5 Tips to Start Your Child Reading
By Michelle MacRoy-Higgins, PhD, and Carlyn Kolker
As children approach their school years, parent begin to wonder how their child is going to learn to read. When will that golden moment happen? But did you know that your child is soaking up the basics of reading long before he or she begins any formal reading instruction? That means that you have lots of opportunities to introduce early literacy skills and instill a love of reading in your child even before she trots off to full-time elementary school.
In Time to Talk: What You Need to Know About Your Child’s Speech and Language Development, parents learn about fostering oral communication skills in toddlers and pre-schoolers that can help lead to better literacy skills when their child learns to read. A good way to start introducing those early reading skills is simply by talking to your child about the written and spoken words all around you.
Like many parenting activities, you'll see the most success if you have some tricks up your sleeve: If you want your little reader to become interested in words and letters, you may have to work your magic on the sly. Think of these tricks as the reading equivalent of sneaking vegetables into your child's pasta sauce.
Use these child-friendly tips to encourage early literacy once your youngster reaches age 3 or 4:
1. Pick a "word of the day" with your child. Talk about that word a lot, and point it out in written language. Choose a short, simple word -- preferably something that occurs or appears a lot in your everyday life, like "mom" or "dad," "dog" or "cat," "car" or "bike," and "sun" or "moon." Talk about the first letter of that word. Say that sound a lot. Talk about how many letters the word has. Write the word down for your child, find a the word in a book, and look for all the occurrences you can find of the word.
2. Create rhyming words with your word of the day. Rhyming is a great way to familiarize your child with the different sounds that words and syllables make. (Cat rhymes with hat, bat, mat...) If your child helps you find words that rhyme with your word of the day, you'll be practicing early literacy skills. You can make this silly and fun -- and, of course, your child may never know he's actually learning something along the way.
3. Cook and read the recipes with your child. Most recipes, whether on a cake-mix box or in a book or online, use pictures with the text to show the steps involved. That means your child can start to figure out how the pictures help represent the words, and can often report to you how the steps should go -- something along the lines of, "Crack the egg in the bowl now, Mama."
4. Read signs with your child. Point out Stop signs and explain what they tell drivers to do. Ask your child to find Stop signs when you're out driving. Exit signs on highways are another common sign that he can look out for. Spell the words on the sign whenever he finds them.
5. Talk about the first letter of your child's name. Find words that start with that letter. If your daughter's names starts with a "C," point out words that also start with the letter -- "cars," "cats," "cookies," and so on. If your son's first name starts with a "Z," he'll know he's special when you visit the "zoo" and find the "zebra." Talking about the first letter of childrens' names always captures their attention. Ask them to look for the letter everywhere they go.
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Dr. Michelle MacRoy-Higgins and Carlyn Kolker are co-authors of the new book, Time to Talk: What You Need to Know About Your Child's Speech and Language Development (Amacom 2017). Dr. MacRoy-Higgins is an associate professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at Hunter College in New York City. She has a BS and MS in speech-language pathology and a Ph.D. in speech-language-hearing sciences. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), is licensed in New York State as a speech-language pathologist, and has worked as a classroom teacher. Dr. Michelle has evaluated and worked with hundreds of children ages 6 months to 10 years with their speech and language issues. Carlyn Kolker is a freelance writer and former reporter for Bloomberg News and Reuters. Learn more atwww.timetotalkbook.com or on Twitter at @time2talkbook.
Sunday, March 19
Girl Power, Netflix Style
Studies have shown that girls as young as six are influenced by gender stereotypes, and that role models from the entertainment they choose can have a lasting effect. On this note, and in honour of International Women's Day earlier this month, I'm sharing my girls' (and my) Netflix choices for favourite role-model female characters.
First, my eight-year-old daughter Eva's choices:
Next up: 11-year-old Olivia:
As an adult, I'm always looking for stereotypes on screen, and and asking myself questions about choices made in terms of characters and casting.
When tons of Facebook followers recommended that I watch Suits on Netflix, I immediately noticed that the two main characters were white men (excellent actors in well-written characters) but was also pleased to see that women, and actors of other colours, were also represented and well-developed. (P.S. March Break has given me the opportunity to *almost* get caught up on Suits.)
I also have come to love Carrie Mathison of Homeland (played by Claire Danes) - a very strong character, though well-rounded with her own vulnerabilities (it's okay - actually ideal - to show authentic female vulnerability on screen, as long as the ladies aren't all, or always, damsels in distress!)
Who are your kids' (or your) favourite strong female characters on Netflix? Let me know!
Disclosure: I am provided with perks as a member of the Netflix Stream Team. Opinions are, as always, my own.
First, my eight-year-old daughter Eva's choices:
- McKeyla McAlister from Project MC2, because she's a spy who works for a secret organization trying to save the world, and she always puts her friends and family first.
- Amy Fleming from Heartland, because she works with horses and got in an accident saving one, and she has never given up working with them even though it's dangerous.
- DJ Fuller from Fuller House, because she's not afraid to try new things and she's taking care of her kids after her husband died.
Next up: 11-year-old Olivia:
- DJ Tanner from Full House, because she goes through a lot of hardships but she always perseveres and teaches lessons to the kids who are watching.
- The twins from The Parent Trap, because they're clever and tricky and willing to do anything to get their parents back together and make their family happy.
- Annabeth Chase from Percy Jackson because she is courageous and faces danger to help accomplish good things in the world.
As an adult, I'm always looking for stereotypes on screen, and and asking myself questions about choices made in terms of characters and casting.
When tons of Facebook followers recommended that I watch Suits on Netflix, I immediately noticed that the two main characters were white men (excellent actors in well-written characters) but was also pleased to see that women, and actors of other colours, were also represented and well-developed. (P.S. March Break has given me the opportunity to *almost* get caught up on Suits.)
I also have come to love Carrie Mathison of Homeland (played by Claire Danes) - a very strong character, though well-rounded with her own vulnerabilities (it's okay - actually ideal - to show authentic female vulnerability on screen, as long as the ladies aren't all, or always, damsels in distress!)
Who are your kids' (or your) favourite strong female characters on Netflix? Let me know!
Disclosure: I am provided with perks as a member of the Netflix Stream Team. Opinions are, as always, my own.
Friday, March 17
Family Fun in Boston, MA
Some of our trips are planned months in advance (Nashville, Vancouver, Las Vegas, New York City, Jamaica), other mere days. Our recent on-a-whim trip to Boston, Massachusetts fits in the latter category...and we had a blast! Here are the highlights.
Porter Airlines
Boston Children's Museum
I've been searching my memory going through the many other museums we've visited with the kids over the years, and I truly think this one takes the cake. My husband and I were blown away by the quality and my girls (ages 11 and 8) spent hours exploring. Some things we loved:
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Tickets for this attraction are free with the purchase of the Old Town Trolley Tours Hop-On-Hop-Off Passes during fall and winter, and discounted during spring and summer. I will admit, history is not my passion (my brother knows more than enough historical information for the both of us), but this was a really fun way to learn about the events of the Boston Tea Party, including the lead-up and the aftermath, through a multimedia experience. Visitors are drawn into the story (you're even given a card with your character's name, though there's no pressure to do anything other than take it all in) and have the chance to throw some "tea" off the ship. I'm glad we didn't miss this one.
Old Town Trolley Tours
In every city I visit I try to take advantage of hop-on-hop-off offerings (and even ensure that I book a hotel near one of the stops), and Old Town Trolley Tours in Boston definitely met our needs. Most places we visited were on the route, and staying on for an entire loop gave us a great overview of the city. Plus, the drivers were very informative and entertaining, sharing tidbits that I never would have known otherwise. As a lover of all things celebrity, of course I wanted to see the restaurant where JFK proposed to Jackie, the original "Cheers" exterior, and one of the buildings that was used in the film The Departed. Recognize it?
In spring and summer your ticket includes a free Boston Harbour Cruise; in the off-season you get a second consecutive day free to ride the trolley.
Hilton Boston Back Bay
We got a great deal on our room though the Berklee Performance Center website, as we were seeing a show at Berklee the first night we arrived. It had everything we needed in a hotel, including a spacious corner room, a pool and hot tub, and we even splurged on their room service one night! We also spent our snowed-in afternoon (more on that later) playing cards in the Starbucks lounge.
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy in Concert
This was probably the highlight of the trip for my daughters, who got to see their friends from home performing on stage (fiddling, stepdancing and singing), and also got to play on the tour bus and enjoy dinner in the green room! Music is such an important part of our everyday lives, and it was great to give the kids this experience while travelling as well.
While I recommend you see this talented family if you get a chance, my broader tip would be that you should look into any concerts or shows that might be taking place in your destination city. You never know what you might find!
Mike's Pastry
Based on several social media recommendations, we got off the trolley at stop 2 and took a short stroll through Little Italy to the famed pastry shop...and weren't disappointed! Note that it's cash only, and the very long lines do move quickly.
Cathedral of the Holy Cross
As I captioned my social media post, everyone goes straight from the airport to Mass...with their luggage. Right? Yes, there was a church we could have attended right beside our hotel, but someone insisted on checking out the cathedral. Personally, I fell in love with the stained glass above the altar, and also got a photo of the window of St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians.
Meals
One caveat for Canadian friends travelling to the US: be very mindful of the exchange rate. When you convert prices in your head (or on your phone!) it makes you more careful when shopping or making choices about other expenditures.
Porter Airlines
- I'm going to save some of the details for now, as I have my fingers crossed that I will get the opportunity to partner with Porter in the future to bring you a whole bunch more information about how great it is to fly with them, but for now I will just say...it's great to fly with them. When we were mulling over destinations my parents suggested we look for somewhere that Porter flies, based on their positive experience, and I'm glad we listened. We've only ever flown out of Pearson before and using the Billy Bishop Airport on the island was vastly different. More on Porter at a later date, I hope!
Boston Children's Museum
I've been searching my memory going through the many other museums we've visited with the kids over the years, and I truly think this one takes the cake. My husband and I were blown away by the quality and my girls (ages 11 and 8) spent hours exploring. Some things we loved:
- A huge range of hands-on, interactive and kinesthetic experiences
- Lots of posted information, including tips for parents
- A great variety for all ages, from toddler through tween
- Familiar characters and themes (hello, Arthur's city!)
- Science, social studies (I thought the "Black Boston" exhibit was fascinating), language, mathematics and the arts all incorporated
- Spacious and clean with friendly, helpful staff
I loved this "welcome to kindergarten" classroom replica!
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Tickets for this attraction are free with the purchase of the Old Town Trolley Tours Hop-On-Hop-Off Passes during fall and winter, and discounted during spring and summer. I will admit, history is not my passion (my brother knows more than enough historical information for the both of us), but this was a really fun way to learn about the events of the Boston Tea Party, including the lead-up and the aftermath, through a multimedia experience. Visitors are drawn into the story (you're even given a card with your character's name, though there's no pressure to do anything other than take it all in) and have the chance to throw some "tea" off the ship. I'm glad we didn't miss this one.
Old Town Trolley Tours
In every city I visit I try to take advantage of hop-on-hop-off offerings (and even ensure that I book a hotel near one of the stops), and Old Town Trolley Tours in Boston definitely met our needs. Most places we visited were on the route, and staying on for an entire loop gave us a great overview of the city. Plus, the drivers were very informative and entertaining, sharing tidbits that I never would have known otherwise. As a lover of all things celebrity, of course I wanted to see the restaurant where JFK proposed to Jackie, the original "Cheers" exterior, and one of the buildings that was used in the film The Departed. Recognize it?
In spring and summer your ticket includes a free Boston Harbour Cruise; in the off-season you get a second consecutive day free to ride the trolley.
Hilton Boston Back Bay
We got a great deal on our room though the Berklee Performance Center website, as we were seeing a show at Berklee the first night we arrived. It had everything we needed in a hotel, including a spacious corner room, a pool and hot tub, and we even splurged on their room service one night! We also spent our snowed-in afternoon (more on that later) playing cards in the Starbucks lounge.
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy in Concert
This was probably the highlight of the trip for my daughters, who got to see their friends from home performing on stage (fiddling, stepdancing and singing), and also got to play on the tour bus and enjoy dinner in the green room! Music is such an important part of our everyday lives, and it was great to give the kids this experience while travelling as well.
While I recommend you see this talented family if you get a chance, my broader tip would be that you should look into any concerts or shows that might be taking place in your destination city. You never know what you might find!
Mike's Pastry
Based on several social media recommendations, we got off the trolley at stop 2 and took a short stroll through Little Italy to the famed pastry shop...and weren't disappointed! Note that it's cash only, and the very long lines do move quickly.
Cathedral of the Holy Cross
As I captioned my social media post, everyone goes straight from the airport to Mass...with their luggage. Right? Yes, there was a church we could have attended right beside our hotel, but someone insisted on checking out the cathedral. Personally, I fell in love with the stained glass above the altar, and also got a photo of the window of St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians.
Meals
- Harry O's: Right across from the Cathedral, we purchased our first meal in Boston from this little pizza place, with delicious food (I had a fantastic calzone made right in front of me, the girls' slices were huge, and they even have great dessert), and friendly, top-notch service.
- Thornton's: We love our breakfast diners, and Thornton's was our choice for two of the mornings of our trip. The menu is huge (they serve lunch and dinner as well), and I had the eggs/toast/hashbrowns meal one morning, and Nutella crepes the next - great-tasting and reasonably priced. There's no separate kids' menu, but tons of options that worked for my girls, including smaller items like muffins and bagels with cream cheese.
- Ned Devine's Irish Pub in Quincy Market (trolley stop 1). Coming from the city in Canada with the largest Irish population to the US equivalent, of course we had to check out an Irish pub! This one was just what you'd expect: comfort food (I had the fish and chips), Irish tunes playing over the speakers, and of course Irish beer on tap. With a kids' menu and a convenient location, I'd recommend this spot for sure (and coincidentally, two ladies from Ireland who were riding the trolley with us also chose it for lunch!)
- Cheesecake Factory: Yes, yes, it's a chain, but we don't have it in Canada and we've never been before. The filet mignon was incredible (and bigger than I'm used to being served at a restaurant), and of course we each got a slice of cheesecake to go from their extensive selection (since we were so full from our meals there's no way we could eat it there!) With choices like Reese Peanut Butter Cup, Oreo, Smore and Turtles it was difficult to decide....good thing we were all willing to share!
The Blizzard
Well, that's the end of my list of recommendations...significantly shorter than a usual trip, but there's an explanation for that. I had planned two jam-packed days of sightseeing...and on the second day, a blizzard was expected and the entire city shut down! No school (not that we were affected by that, but we get lots of snow at home and schools are never closed), no hop-on-hop-off, and absolutely no tourist attractions that were open. It was an adventure for us, and we actually enjoyed a day of downtime at the pool, playing cards, watching TV, helping my 11-year-old set up a blog that I may or may not let her share with others someday, and starting my notes for this post!
But because we missed half of the attractions I had planned to visit, I also want to share with you a list of places that are now on my must-see list for my next trip to Boston, most of which had offered us admission that we weren't able to take them up on!
- Museum of Science (they currently have an exhibit all about chocolate, and we missed it)
- Fenway Park Tours (I'm not a baseball fan but even I realize what a cultural landmark this is)
- Skywalk Observatory (always neat to get a view of a new city from as high as possible)
- New England Holocaust Memorial
- JFK Library and Museum
- Boston Harbour Cruise (of course this one isn't even open at all in the winter, but if I went back at another time of year I'd take it in for sure)
One caveat for Canadian friends travelling to the US: be very mindful of the exchange rate. When you convert prices in your head (or on your phone!) it makes you more careful when shopping or making choices about other expenditures.
Now, if you're planning to visit Boston and have any questions, please feel free to ask! Also, if you've visited in the past (or are a local) and have other recommendations that I've missed, I'd love for you to add your thoughts!
Back to planning my next travel adventure...
Disclosure: We were provided free admission to some attractions. Opinions are, as always, my own.
Disclosure: We were provided free admission to some attractions. Opinions are, as always, my own.
Thursday, February 9
My Latest Segment on The Social: The Mid-Year Check-In!
It's the halfway mark of the school year, and I was back at The Social to share information about report cards and parent/teacher interviews.
This time my mom was my date - and I think she really enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at how the show operates.
Thanks to Le Chateau for again hooking me up with a gorgeous outfit (yes, that's a dress, and yes, those are pockets!) as well as the shoes, earrings and bracelets. Hair is by Andrea Zarlenga and makeup by Stephanie Cruz (who, coincidentally, was headed to a parent/teacher interview for her child that very afternoon!)
This time I was chatting with Cynthia Loyst and Marci Ien, and as always, the hosts were warm, supportive and positive - even those who weren't in the segment (Lainey was very kind afterwards, and Jess told me it was my best segment yet. Which she has said before, so either she's just always super kind or I keep improving!)
Video of the segment can be found below. I say this every time, but please know how much I appreciate the support I receive from you, whether in person, through email/text or over social media. It never gets old!
This time my mom was my date - and I think she really enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at how the show operates.
Thanks to Le Chateau for again hooking me up with a gorgeous outfit (yes, that's a dress, and yes, those are pockets!) as well as the shoes, earrings and bracelets. Hair is by Andrea Zarlenga and makeup by Stephanie Cruz (who, coincidentally, was headed to a parent/teacher interview for her child that very afternoon!)
This time I was chatting with Cynthia Loyst and Marci Ien, and as always, the hosts were warm, supportive and positive - even those who weren't in the segment (Lainey was very kind afterwards, and Jess told me it was my best segment yet. Which she has said before, so either she's just always super kind or I keep improving!)
Video of the segment can be found below. I say this every time, but please know how much I appreciate the support I receive from you, whether in person, through email/text or over social media. It never gets old!
Meanwhile, On Kate's Instagram...
While I still love to delve into topics here on the blog, I also do a lot of "microblogging" on social media. I have the most followers on Twitter, but I'm finding almost zero interaction there lately (is it just me?) so I post a lot to Facebook and Instagram, where my followers seem much more supportive and "like-happy".
I realized, though, that readers who aren't on Instagram are missing out on some of my meaningful moments, so I thought I'd provide some highlights here - just from posts I've shared so far in 2017.
I microblog about...
Decor and Organization
Kindergarten Fun
Fashion and Beauty
Family Moments
Blogging
If you're on Instagram, pop over and say hi - I love to follow real, interactive people!
I realized, though, that readers who aren't on Instagram are missing out on some of my meaningful moments, so I thought I'd provide some highlights here - just from posts I've shared so far in 2017.
I microblog about...
Decor and Organization
Kindergarten Fun
Fashion and Beauty
Family Moments
Blogging
If you're on Instagram, pop over and say hi - I love to follow real, interactive people!
Sunday, February 5
Teach Kids To Fight Germs #SDMFluFighters
Not long ago, I wrote an article for Parents Canada magazine all about teaching young kids not to spread germs. I interviewed a doctor - more specifically a pediatric infectious disease specialist - who said, "The number one way to reduce bacterial germs in any environment is to vaccinate your kids. Not only are they safe from those particular illnesses, but they also have less risk of developing infections from antibioticresistant superbugs."
So, assuming that your kids have been vaccinated (you all went to Shoppers Drug Mart for the flu shot this season, right?), here are some other ways to teach kids about germ-fighting. (I am writing this post at the end of a day when 12 of my 29 students were absent...so these are definitely concepts I'm sharing in the classroom as well!)
Whether we like it or not, kids quickly absorb information that comes to them through screens, and this great Germ Smart - Wash Your Hands video really engaged my students - and they were able to answer questions about it after.
Picture books are a fantastic way to reinforce important concepts with little ones. A home daycare provider I know recommends Germs Are Not For Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick, and I also love Sid the Science Kid - The Trouble With Germs.
For older kids interested in more advanced information, Achoo! The Most Interesting Book You'll Ever Read About Germs by Trudee Romanek really delves into the topic.
You can use songs to make germ-fighting more fun, for example by teaching kids to sing the ABCs once or the Happy Birthday song twice while they wash their hands (20 seconds is the recommended time frame), and if you want to take an extra step, you can buy a special gel that glows under UV light, showing kids what spots they missed after handwashing (usually under the fingernails and between the fingers).
The main points to stress with your children, aside from handwashing:
I'd like to end with another great quote from the pediatric infectious disease specialist, who shared some words of wisdom for the antibacterial-obsessed parents out there:
"Stressing ourselves out by trying to decontaminate our environment is an exercise in futility.” She suggests being reasonable in terms of cleaning surfaces with soap and water, but not obsessing over it.
I wish you and your children good health throughout this flu season and beyond!
Disclosure: This post was generously sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart. Opinions are, as always, my own.
So, assuming that your kids have been vaccinated (you all went to Shoppers Drug Mart for the flu shot this season, right?), here are some other ways to teach kids about germ-fighting. (I am writing this post at the end of a day when 12 of my 29 students were absent...so these are definitely concepts I'm sharing in the classroom as well!)
Whether we like it or not, kids quickly absorb information that comes to them through screens, and this great Germ Smart - Wash Your Hands video really engaged my students - and they were able to answer questions about it after.
Picture books are a fantastic way to reinforce important concepts with little ones. A home daycare provider I know recommends Germs Are Not For Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick, and I also love Sid the Science Kid - The Trouble With Germs.
For older kids interested in more advanced information, Achoo! The Most Interesting Book You'll Ever Read About Germs by Trudee Romanek really delves into the topic.
You can use songs to make germ-fighting more fun, for example by teaching kids to sing the ABCs once or the Happy Birthday song twice while they wash their hands (20 seconds is the recommended time frame), and if you want to take an extra step, you can buy a special gel that glows under UV light, showing kids what spots they missed after handwashing (usually under the fingernails and between the fingers).
The main points to stress with your children, aside from handwashing:
- Cough and sneeze into the elbow
- Use tissues (kids usually need explicit instruction on how to wipe or blow their noses)
- Keep hands away from the face
I'd like to end with another great quote from the pediatric infectious disease specialist, who shared some words of wisdom for the antibacterial-obsessed parents out there:
"Stressing ourselves out by trying to decontaminate our environment is an exercise in futility.” She suggests being reasonable in terms of cleaning surfaces with soap and water, but not obsessing over it.
I wish you and your children good health throughout this flu season and beyond!
Disclosure: This post was generously sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart. Opinions are, as always, my own.
Wednesday, January 11
When to Keep Sick Kids Home - Plus $150 Shoppers Drug Mart Prize Pack Giveaway
"Mommy, I don't feel well..."
We've all been there (despite good hygiene, lots of sleep and vaccinations such as the flu shot), and many of us have struggled with staying home from work or arranging alternate child care for our sick kids. It's not easy! According to a recent Shoppers Drug Mart poll, 30% of adults with children have sent sick or contagious kids to school or daycare...though 86% of parents say they are annoyed when others do this!
When an illness is serious, we know there's no choice, and we move mountains to keep our child home to recover. But sometimes, it's not so cut and dried...are they too sick to go or not?
Often daycares have very clear policies about when kids can and can't be present, but school can be a bit more iffy. As a teacher, my two biggest guidelines are to keep kids home if:
1. They don't feel well enough to be there. If they have a high fever, are sleepy, teary or in pain they won't be in any position to learn.
2. They are contagious (or likely contagious) with something icky (not a medical term). You never want to pass on vomiting, diarrhea, rashes or other diseases like pinkeye. A good way to decide is to ask yourself how you would feel if a classmate came to school and passed the same illness along to your child (and in fact, it's possible they did!)
Sometimes we have to make the decision about whether or not to send under-the-weather kids to optional events like sports, parties and playdates, and those two rules may not be enough to help us decide whether it would be socially acceptable to have our kids attend. For insight, I consulted Lisa Orr, etiquette expert and owner of Orr Etiquette (and a friend I've made as we both make appearances on THE SOCIAL) for some words of wisdom.
According to Lisa, "illness etiquette is that you should never bring a cold, flu or disease as a hostess gift, so that means you should not attend if there is any chance you might be contagious. A quick call to your pediatrician is always an option if you aren’t sure if your child is contagious but a good rule of thumb is if you have a child who is feverish, lethargic or is coughing and sneezing up a storm then it’s better to stay home and play another day."
Then there's the flip side - your child is perfectly healthy, and you want to keep it that way...so when Jenny's mother calls and mentions that her little girl hasn't been feeling well, is it awful to suggest that Jenny keep her germs at home?
Lisa says, "It is absolutely not rude – and the fact that they have volunteered the information is a great sign because they’re really inviting your input for how to handle the situation. In this case I would say something like, 'I’m so sorry to hear that she’s not well, but thank you so much for letting me know, I really appreciate it. Why don’t we reschedule our playdate,' or, 'It sounds like she’s not up to the party but I’d be happy to drop off her loot bag at school and we can organize another time to get together.' In the end the sick child will get the rest they need, other children won’t get sick and your child can play with their friend when everyone is well again."
For example:
When to keep sick kids home - plus win a $150 prize pack from @thismomloves
http://thismomloves.blogspot.ca/2017/01/when-to-keep-sick-kids-home-plus-150.html
#SDMflufighters
Feel free to use that exact tweet, but be careful with Facebook: if you copy and paste, you still need to type @thismomloves manually or the tag won't pop up and I won't be notified in order to count your entry!
The giveaway runs until Monday, January 16th at midnight Eastern, after which time the entries will be totalled and a winner will be chosen through random number generation. Good luck...and happy flu-fighting!
Disclosure: This post was generously sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart. Opinions are, as always, my own.
We've all been there (despite good hygiene, lots of sleep and vaccinations such as the flu shot), and many of us have struggled with staying home from work or arranging alternate child care for our sick kids. It's not easy! According to a recent Shoppers Drug Mart poll, 30% of adults with children have sent sick or contagious kids to school or daycare...though 86% of parents say they are annoyed when others do this!
When an illness is serious, we know there's no choice, and we move mountains to keep our child home to recover. But sometimes, it's not so cut and dried...are they too sick to go or not?
Often daycares have very clear policies about when kids can and can't be present, but school can be a bit more iffy. As a teacher, my two biggest guidelines are to keep kids home if:
1. They don't feel well enough to be there. If they have a high fever, are sleepy, teary or in pain they won't be in any position to learn.
2. They are contagious (or likely contagious) with something icky (not a medical term). You never want to pass on vomiting, diarrhea, rashes or other diseases like pinkeye. A good way to decide is to ask yourself how you would feel if a classmate came to school and passed the same illness along to your child (and in fact, it's possible they did!)
Sometimes we have to make the decision about whether or not to send under-the-weather kids to optional events like sports, parties and playdates, and those two rules may not be enough to help us decide whether it would be socially acceptable to have our kids attend. For insight, I consulted Lisa Orr, etiquette expert and owner of Orr Etiquette (and a friend I've made as we both make appearances on THE SOCIAL) for some words of wisdom.
Lisa Orr of Orr Etiquette
According to Lisa, "illness etiquette is that you should never bring a cold, flu or disease as a hostess gift, so that means you should not attend if there is any chance you might be contagious. A quick call to your pediatrician is always an option if you aren’t sure if your child is contagious but a good rule of thumb is if you have a child who is feverish, lethargic or is coughing and sneezing up a storm then it’s better to stay home and play another day."
Then there's the flip side - your child is perfectly healthy, and you want to keep it that way...so when Jenny's mother calls and mentions that her little girl hasn't been feeling well, is it awful to suggest that Jenny keep her germs at home?
Lisa says, "It is absolutely not rude – and the fact that they have volunteered the information is a great sign because they’re really inviting your input for how to handle the situation. In this case I would say something like, 'I’m so sorry to hear that she’s not well, but thank you so much for letting me know, I really appreciate it. Why don’t we reschedule our playdate,' or, 'It sounds like she’s not up to the party but I’d be happy to drop off her loot bag at school and we can organize another time to get together.' In the end the sick child will get the rest they need, other children won’t get sick and your child can play with their friend when everyone is well again."
To make sure your child stays as healthy as possible when surrounded by other children (and, almost as importantly, doesn't gross other people out) make sure you're teaching and reviewing the basics: using tissues for runny noses, coughing into sleeves, keeping hands off the face, and washing hands regularly.
Finally, get vaccinated: no matter where you stand on proper etiquette, flu shots should be part of the plan. You'll get peace of mind that your children likely won't be spreading the flu, or tracking it home from daycare, school or another gathering. Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies across the country are making it easy by offering walk-in flu immunizations administered by a pharmacist - every member of my household is vaccinated.
Now that we've settled that, it's time for a giveaway!
Finally, get vaccinated: no matter where you stand on proper etiquette, flu shots should be part of the plan. You'll get peace of mind that your children likely won't be spreading the flu, or tracking it home from daycare, school or another gathering. Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies across the country are making it easy by offering walk-in flu immunizations administered by a pharmacist - every member of my household is vaccinated.
Now that we've settled that, it's time for a giveaway!
One lucky This Mom Loves winner will receive an awesome Flu Fighters pack from Shoppers Drug Mart valued at $150 containing the following:
- Life Brand Hand Sanitizer
- Cough Drops
- Vaporizing Cold Rub
- Electrolyte Maintenance Powder
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Vaporizer
- PC Chicken noodle soup
- PC Facial tissues
- PC Feeling Soothed Tea
- $100 gift card
All you have to do to enter to win is post a tweet or Facebook update that contains all three of the following:
1. A link to this post (the one you're reading right now!)
http://thismomloves.blogspot.ca/2017/01/when-to-keep-sick-kids-home-plus-150.html
2. A tag for @thismomloves
3. The hashtag #SDMflufighters
For example:
When to keep sick kids home - plus win a $150 prize pack from @thismomloves
http://thismomloves.blogspot.ca/2017/01/when-to-keep-sick-kids-home-plus-150.html
#SDMflufighters
Feel free to use that exact tweet, but be careful with Facebook: if you copy and paste, you still need to type @thismomloves manually or the tag won't pop up and I won't be notified in order to count your entry!
The giveaway runs until Monday, January 16th at midnight Eastern, after which time the entries will be totalled and a winner will be chosen through random number generation. Good luck...and happy flu-fighting!
Disclosure: This post was generously sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart. Opinions are, as always, my own.
Sunday, January 8
Bushra Mdewaye: The Syrian Refugee Momterview
Syrian refugees: you can't get a media (or social media) fix without hearing about them, but to most of us, the term is general and vague, not accurately representing the masses of individuals that it encompasses.
Today's Momterview may not be with a celebrity, but Bushra Mdewaye's voice is just as important, and I am thrilled to give you the chance to get to know her.
What
was your life like in Syria before the war?
I had work, as a teacher. My husband Salim and I were married in 2009, and he was a production manager of a big company. We had our son Bassal in August of 2010. We had our own home and we
were really happy. We lived close to my husband’s parents, we
would visit with family there often.
How
did things change when the war started?
The jobs disappeared. My school, where I
taught was bombed, so I stayed home. The factory where my husband worked was
taken over by terrorists. So, he also stayed home with me. We had a two-year-old
child at home, but no money or jobs. No money to buy milk or food for our
child. Once we spent our money, then there was nothing and nothing to do. There
were no jobs and no life there.
Did
you feel you were in danger?
Yes. There were always bombs. So we decided
to leave Aleppo and go to Jordan. My sister is married to a Jordanian person, so we decided to go there.
How
did you end up in Canada? What were the steps?
In Jordan, it was a difficult life.
Everything there is very expensive, and it was illegal for us to work. However,
my husband worked as a salesman, under the table for a very low salary. The
money he made was not enough to cover rent or the cost of living. While in Jordan, Celina was born in 2015.
We heard that Canada welcomed Syrians. We
went to a church, where we were told that Canadian people wanted to meet some
Syrian families. We went for a short interview. And they told us there was only
a small chance for us to go to Canada and it would be four years in the future.
We were very sad and didn’t know what we would do for four years.
I really don’t know what happened then, but I
think it was God’s work. After only four months, we received a call, telling us
to go to the embassy for another interview, before travelling to Canada in only
a few weeks. We were given four days' notice before our flight to Canada. We
were extremely happy!
{Bushra's family was sponsored by St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Douro, Ontario. The family's first Canadian home was within the rectory, the priest's house. While many assume Syrians are all of the Muslim faith, Bushra's family is Catholic. They have since moved to an apartment in Peterborough, as being in the city is more convenient for work, school and errands, and the committee in Douro that originally made arrangements for them still provides a support system.}
What
was it like when you first arrived here in Canada?
Everything was different, different people,
culture, food, houses...even floors. We
were very happy to come to Canada, but I had a bit of {translates from Arabic to English on her smartphone app} depression for about two months after
arriving, it was such a big change. The travel from Jordan to Canada happened
very quickly for me. We were so happy to come here, but when we arrived I was a bit depressed. It was very hard.
How
old were your kids when you arrived?
Bassal was five and Celina was 11 months when we arrived in Canada. Our son was
also a bit sad, it was a hard transition for him as well. He wanted to go back
to his friends in Jordan.
What
were the hardest things about being in a new country?
The culture and trying to raise children in a different way.
However, I like the way Canadians raise children, better than back home. In Syria, boys are given
everything. They are boys, and they will become men! Girls are always the
second best. The best is a boy. If the family had a boy they would be very
happy, but if they had a girl the father would be sad, as he wants a boy to
pass on the name of the family. The language is also difficult. I still
cannot speak well.
{For someone who has been speaking the language for only one year, I would have to say Bushra's English is excellent. Six-year-old Bassal's skills, however are even stronger than his parents'.}
How
are things going now that you have been here a year?
I love it! Now I really love Canada! I don't think I could ever go back and live in Syria. Here there are lots of honest people, they don’t lie. Your religion and colour
don’t matter. All people are equal. There is no cheating here.
My husband is working at No Frills,
stocking shelves and I am usually home with the kids. Both of us are taking ESL
classes. I am hoping to study hairstyling, nails and makeup at Fleming College. I would like to get a job in that field.
Celina is in daycare. My son is attending school {the local Catholic elementary school} and is in Grade 1. He likes school. But he likes to
play alone, or he says that. Once when I passed the schoolyard I saw him playing alone. I spoke with the teacher but she says he is
doing fine and playing with other children. He did have a best friend for a few weeks, but then he told me they aren’t friends anymore. His friend was boring. {As a teacher and a mom, I assured her this was normal.}
When
Canadians hear about Syrian refugees, what do you want them to think?
They need to know more about Syria. Once we
went to a church supper, where there were many Canadians and Syrians. A family
sponsored a Syrian family, who is still in Lebanon, but they will come, and the
man said, “Oh a table! That must be new for you, since you don’t have tables in
Syria, right? You eat on the floor.” This is not true! So, some Canadians need
a better understanding of where we came from and Syrian culture.
Because my blog is called "This Mom Loves", I'd like to ask you how you would finish the sentence "This mom loves..."? What about
Yes, and I love L'Oréal makeup and beauty products, which we also had in Syria.
Yes, and I love L'Oréal makeup and beauty products, which we also had in Syria.
What else do you love?
I like reading and going for walks. Salim likes to watch the soccer games on the weekend so we stay in and I like to cook traditional Syrian meals. I like turkey here, it is done differently in Canada. We had turkey in Syria, but it is made differently here. I love the turkey with stuffing and mashed potatoes and the sauce. And cheesecake!
****
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Bushra.
{Note that responses were edited for length, clarity and flow.
Also please note that while a Twitter user gently suggested that I should be using the phrase "human from Syria" instead of "refugee from Syria", most of my interviews are conducted not solely because the interviewee is human, but because she or he has something newsworthy to share, as a TV personality, house-flipper, author, athlete, or in this case, someone who has fled a war-torn country and joined us here in ours. I do not for a moment dispute the humanity of Bushra as an individual, or that of any of her fellow natives of Syria, but acknowledging that every time I refer to her would make for a pretty lengthy headline or tweet.}
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