Hallooween is rapidly approaching and I know everyone has heard all of this before but I feel like I should give everyone a subtle reminder.  When choosing a costume make it friendly and nnnonviolent.  Let your child help you select their costume but promote creativity not violence.  No weapons: swords, guns, knives.  I think homemade costumes are the best.  Let your child help you make their costume.  Respect all of their input.  This can be a very family oriented activity.  Select a theme and everyone can have fun making their own costume.  Have fun carving pumpkins, making treats and spending quality family time together.  Always stress safewty first.  Wear relflective clothing, bring a flashlight, don't eat candy before getting home etc...  Halloween is a fun holiday!!  Enjoy!!  Until next time...

This month is antibullying month.  I feel compelled to address this issue because it affects so many children today.  It all starts at the preschool level. As I observe children playing I can see the ones that are doing the pushing and the ones that are receiving it.  It is always  the same children.  As a teacher I encourage the child being bullied to stick for themselves by saying "No.  I had it first and not just give it to the bully.  I also tell the bully that he should not take things from other children.  It all starts in the sandbox.  Parents need to teach their children to repsect one another.  Children need to learn to appreciate the differences in people and understand that we are all not the same.  I encourage , you, as parents to set a good example by not stereotyping people.  Remeber your children are watching everything you do and you are their first teacher.  There should be no tolerance for bullying!!  When a child is forced to commit suicide becasue they can't take the bullying any longer there is something sadly wrong with our society.  Every child deserves to feel loved and respected.  Unitl next time...

How to protect your children without smothering them is very difficult for a parent.  This week a little girl was murdered on her way to school.  It happened in Colorado.  I'm sure her parents are very good parents.  She only had to walk three blocks and then she met her friends and walked the rest of the way to school with them.  She was 10 years old.  She was at an age where she could do this simple act.  Walking three blocks to meet friends is reasonable but she never made it.  This is so sad and it does make us think about how we can protect our children while giving them their independence.  As parents we want our children to be safe and secure but we also want them to grow and have a sense responsibility.  My heart aches for the little girls parents and I know their lives will never be the same.  Go over the rules of safety with your children.  Never talk to strangers.  Shout, kick, scream and run in the opposite direction if someone strange approaches you.  Try to walk in groups and never alone.  Review these safety tips every three months with your child.  Hug your child and make them feel secure.  I know the parents of the little girl from Colorado wish they could hug their child one more time.  Until next time..

I don't understand mother's that don't want their children to get dirty.  Being a kid means getting DIRTY!!  It's O.K. to play in the sand,  Outdoor play teaches children a variety of things.  First and most important is that they get much needed exercise.  We are worried about childhood obesity but we don't want our children getting dirty.  They need to to run, climb and play outdoors.  Playing outside allows them to learn to socailize with other children.  It teaches them to share and how to take turns.  Also they get the much needed vitamin D from the sun.  Let your child have fun outdoors.  Le them make mud pies and even play in the rain.  Next time your child comes home with sand in their hair and on their clothes know thta they are having fun and benefiting from playting outside.  Unti next time...