Trusting Connections

Parenting Tips/Tricks

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Halloween 2018 Safety Tips For Parents

By now, you may have your kid’s costume all planned, have around 5-10 pounds of candy bags, and your house all decked out with spooktacular decorations. Halloween is next week, but before you let your precious ones out, there are some safety suggestions parents should consider.

Here are some safety tips from the American Heart Association parents can follow to ensure your family has a fun and safe Halloween.

Tips For Trick-O-Treaters

  • Use flame-resistant costumes.
  • Plan a Trick-or-Treat route – Parents should know where the children are going. A parent or chaperone should accompany young children. It’s also a good idea to take routes where there are lots of fellow Trick-or-Treaters.
  • Make sure Trick-or-Treaters can see, and be seen. Provide a flashlight for the kids to use. If needed, add reflective tape to their costume or Trick-or-Treat bags.
  • Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
  • Walk, never run.
  • Only visit homes with a porch light on.
  • Kids should accept treats at the door. Never go inside the house. Visit homes with the porchlights on.
  • Always steer away from the street. Find a sidewalk, if not sidewalk is available, walk on the edge of the roading facing traffic.
  • Always, always, look both ways before crossing a street. Follow traffic light and pedestrian signs and signals.
  • Check the treats before letting your kids eat. Make sure to throw away candy that is unwrapped, open packages, choking hazards, etc. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

Parents should take be extra careful if the kids have food allergies. Click here for tips on how you can celebrate Halloween for Kids with food allergies.

Tips for Treat Givers

If you are planning to hand out treats, follow these safety tips:

  • Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Make sure your Halloween decorations are out of the way to prevent any injuries from falling or tripping.
  • Restrain your pets.
  • Make sure your porch light is on, and your home is well-lit so young visitors can see.

Most importantly, we want everyone, kids and adults, to have a fun Halloween. To see more parenting tips, check out our blog!

Reference: American Heart Association

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Back To School Care Tips For Parents

Back to School season is a time of the year every parent’s scheduling and planning skills are put to the test. From participating in the crazy tax-free weekend, shopping for school supplies to scheduling the kids’ transportation and care, it’s a month full of stress, confusion, anxiety and everything in between. However, there are some few hacks and secrets out there for parents to use and adopt into their weekly routine to make the summer-to-school transition a lot easier and smoother.

Plan, Plan, Plan

If you are a parent who already loves to plan and have a personal planner, go ahead and jot down all the key dates for the whole academic school year. Award ceremonies, open house, parent and teacher nights, PTA meetings, projects and other events. Go ahead and purchase a new separate planner, if needed, and use it to plan specifically towards your children’s school calendar.

Communication is Key

Communication is a two-way street. Keep the conversation going with both their children and the school staff. Get to know the teachers and set up a bi-weekly meeting with them to discuss your child’s progress, status, or any upcoming events or programs that will be happening. This way, you are always in the loop of what’s going on and get consistent updates on your child’s behavior and school development.

Get Reliable Before and After-School Care

Working parents can relate to the panic and stress of scheduling when to pick up their kid from school without missing a project’s deadline or the mandatory staff meeting. Use a service agency such as Trusting Connections, a nanny and sitter agency, can help provide consistent and reliable care 24/7, 365 days a year. No more worries on fighting to beat the traffic to get your kids to gymnastics or football practice on time! With the help of a sitter agency, a consistent nanny can be scheduled around the family’s agenda to ensure that the kids will never be late to school or after-school practice ever again!

Trusting Connections is currently having a big Back-To-School Sale all August long. Families who register anytime now through August 31st can enjoy having safe and reliable care by taking 40% off your Sitter Service Membership fee! Just use the promo code “drive40” during registration! Visit Trusting Connections to explore all the provided services. Services range from before and after-school care, weekend care, date nights, and many more!

Have an Emergency Plan

Kids are adventurous and energetic, and that means a bump in the head and a few trips and falls are bound to happen. Monkey bars and swings aren’t made from cotton so make sure you have an Emergency Plan set in mind. Give the school a reliable emergency contact number in case you can’t be reached. Have your kid’s hospital or doctor number on speed dial. Map out the fastest way from your work to your kid’s school and hospital and save it on your phone. Having an Emergency Plan can save parents significant time.

Prep, Prep, Prep

Similar to planning, you want to make sure the kids get fed before heading off to school and be full after coming home. Make your mornings a little bit less crazy and hectic by prepping your kids’ meals the night before. Pack healthy and easy-to-make lunches and snacks like apple slices, grapes, carrots, celery, and sandwiches. Another prep tip is to have them pick out their wardrobe the night before, so you don’t have to go through the “what to wear” debacle in the morning. If you have bought new footwear for the kiddos, here’s a neat trick to help to break them in: Take a ziplock bag and filled it with water. Place them inside the shoe and then place the shoes in the freezer for three to four hours to stretch them out. That way, your kid’s feet comfortable and blister free!

Hopefully, these tips can help parents be a bit more relaxed and composed following the busy school year that has recently or will soon arrive.

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Kids and Electronics – What Moms Need To Know

*** Trusting Connections’ special guest feature for this week’s blog post is Jeannie Long, owner and founder of Behavior Bake, a resource for parents to build confidence in their parenting. Jeannie has provided Autism services for the past 14 years and has experience working with parents and the behavioral health system of Arizona.

All right, let’s dare talk about electronics and our kids.  For all those moms who just looked around and thought, “Are you talking to me?”  Yes, I’m talking to you.  Let’s be real, when it comes to electronics and our children, we have mixed feelings.  Why is that?  How did the topic of electronics become a taboo of sorts? Let’s review some of the good, the bad, and the ugly of our relationship with electronics as moms.

The Good

We are busy moms doing our best every day.  Oftentimes, we are drowning in our “had to be done yesterday list,” while simultaneously attending to our children.  At times like these, electronics are a lifesaver. Our kids enjoy their e-time, and we get things done. It’s a win-win situation! But, before we know it, electronics have become an extension of our children’s bodies. Everything is smooth sailing. Until…

The Bad

The bad start to creep up when children start to engage in some negative behaviors (sighing, pleading, muttering underneath their breath, etc.) in order to get or keep their electronics.  We unintentionally, respond by using electronics to avoid or pacify these behaviors. We then find ourselves dependent on electronics to smooth over daily activities in public (restaurants, grocery store, wait times, etc.).  We make sure electronics are fully charged, games/movies are downloaded, and electronics are at hand.  Again, it can be a win-win for everyone. Until…

The Ugly

We know it becomes ugly when children start using severe forms of challenging behaviors (meltdowns, screaming matches, aggression, etc.) not only for electronics but also to avoid chores, social events, spending time with family, etc.  We find ourselves in a panic because the wi-fi is disconnected, the charger no longer works, or electronics are broken.  Although deep down we know the excessive use of electronics are unhealthy, the good blinds us from the bad and the ugly.  We are then frightened by the idea of limiting electronic use. Because of this fear, many moms are left playing the guessing game when faced with challenging behaviors (time-outs, “go to your room,” lectures, losing privileges, silent treatment, etc.)

Behavior Bake Tip: If you find yourself experiencing the bad and/or the ugly, take a step back and gather your ingredients and make a behavior recipe that results in less dependence on electronics.  Start by taking notes on when your child is engaged in e-time and what other opportunities they are missing to learn social skills such as waiting, leisure skills, exercise, life skills (chores), etc. Decide which routine in which you would like to reduce or eliminate electronic use.  Afterward, set limits and boundaries.  Sit down and have a discussion with your child about your new expectations ahead of time (i.e., “complete two chores and homework and then electronics will be available for 1 hour).

I’ll leave you with a question to consider:  What about parents who excessively use electronics?

– Written by M.C.

“Trust yourself, you know more than you think.” –Benjamin Spock

For more information please visit our website www.behaviorbake.com. Behavior Bake is also a participating merchant for Trusting Connections’ Membership Discount Program.

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Safety Tips For The Family This 4th of July

Independence Day is a day to remember how lucky we are to be living in a nation filled with diversity, freedom, and endless opportunities, but it is also a day family can gather together and celebrate through fun activities with friends and neighbors.

From hosting a bbq party to watching the fireworks, parents should be mindful of some safety hazards that come along with these activities. Follow these tips to ensure the whole family is having a fun and being safe this Fourth of July!

 

FIREWORKS SAFETY

“Each year around this time, we see many ranges of injuries in our emergency departments that can be easily prevented if the proper safety precautions are taken into consideration,” said Dr. Kazim Hussain, Emergency Room Medical Director for Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville. According to the Consumer Product Saftey Commision, children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 31 percent of emergency department-treated injuries due to firework burns.

Leave it to the trained professional when it comes to fireworks. There should be several local vendors and cities what will be hosting a firework show for the public, and the event is usually free and filled with family-friendly activities as well. This not only promotes a safer environment, but it also allows the whole family to enjoy the fireworks without the stress and worry.

However, if you are planning on setting off your own fireworks, please make sure to take these precautions:

•  Research your city firework regulations to see if your city allows you to purchase and light up the fireworks. If you violate this and get caught, you may face a hefty fine!

•  Always read warning labels and follow instructions on how to light up the fireworks. Do not use fireworks in any way other than suggested on the label.

•  Be sure to check that the firework is completely burned out before tossing it away. Dispose of all fireworks properly by soaking them all in water before trashing it out.

•  Remember to dress the family appropriately. Wearing loose fitting clothes could be a fire hazard getting tangled or caught when lighting fireworks.

•  Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby to put out any fire that may occur quickly.

•  Never point or throw any form of firework at another person, animal, building, brush or another flammable object.

•  There should always be an adult present when lighting up any fireworks. Make sure the kids are standing at a safe distance to prevent accidental burns. Never let a child light up fireworks on their own without an adult’s prevision.

•  Wear eye protection like goggles when lighting any fireworks. Keep a first-aid kit nearby in case of any minor injuries like band-aids, burn ointments, aloe vera, etc.

 

GRILLING SAFETY

Having a BBQ or a family picnic can be a great way to celebrate, but many injuries can occur due to gas and charcoal grills. Follow these safety tips before cooking or grilling:

•  Never leave a lit grill unattended. Make sure you are checking every 5 minutes to ensure the grill is working.

•  Children should never be near a grill unsupervised.

•  Always use a grill outdoors and use the right amount of charcoal starter fluid.

•  If you have never used a grill before, make sure to carefully and thoroughly read the manufacturer’s instructions before using.

 

SAFETY TIPS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

•  For those who are celebrating outside, whether it’s camping, hiking, swimming, or just being in the sun, remember to monitor your fluid intake. Make sure the kids are hydrated at all times. Bring a cooler filled with cold water bottles so kids can easily access it when needed.

•  If your kids are swimming, make sure to reapply sunscreen to prevent sunburns. Remember to be equipped with everything the kids need before heading out to the water.

•  Ensure that you are packing and storing food correctly to avoid any risk of getting food poisoning. Refrigerated foods should be kept cold so prepare ice-packs in your coolers before heading out.

•  Pack any necessary medication, mosquitoes repellent, and any other first-aid materials in the event of an allergic reaction or any other emergencies.

Following these safety tips can easily prevent many injuries from occurring and help make the holiday celebrations fun, memorable, and stress-free for parents. To see more health and safety tips, visit Emergency Care For You. Check out our other family tips on our Blog!

 

Source: Montgomery Herald and Valley Morning Star

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Behavior Bake – Behavioral Recipes for Success

*** Trusting Connections’ special guest feature for this week’s blog post is Jeannie Long, owner and founder of Behavior Bake, a resource for parents to build confidence in their parenting. Jeannie has provided Autism services for the past 14 years and has experience working with parents and the behavioral health system of Arizona.

Behavior Bake’s scientifically-based workshops give parents the opportunity to collaborate in a laid-back friendly environment. Through years of experience, collaborations, and use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Behavior Bake can help teach parents and teachers how to turn daily struggles into success. All workshops will be presented by a licensed behavioral analyst.

Behavior Bake is committed to:

  • Provide services to children of all abilities and ages
  • Staying true to the principles of ABA
  • Build confidence to parents and teachers when faced with behavioral challenges
  • Foster a stronger community

The following editorial is from a staff member at Behavioral Bake. ***
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Hello to all you moms who are consistently asking yourselves, “Where are my keys?” Ahhh! I don’t have time for arguing… why don’t my kids just listen?” The bad news is you’re on your own with your keys but the good news is that helping moms with their child’s difficult behavior is what Behavior Bake does best; more on that later. This is for moms who feel dizzy from all the “should do” tellers. You know, I’m sure you’ve heard them too, “you should just discipline… you should use time out… you should show them who’s the boss… or you should use good old fashioned spanking.” Ugh, I can feel my stomach aching with second-guesses, feelings of hopelessness, and ultimately feeling like a terrible mom. Have you felt the same way? If so, I’m here to say, STOP the madness and STOP the guessing! No mom has time for that. You can parent with confidence.

At Behavior Bake, we believe moms are powerful. We believe moms are extraordinary. We believe moms can improve their child’s behavior and go on with their busy lives.

How, you may ask? I’m not a mind reader but funny you should ask.

Behavior Bake empowers moms to get back in the driver seat by making decisions following these three easy steps:

  1. Gather information surrounding a specific routine your child tends to be difficult in (i.e., taking out the trash, homework, shutting down electronics, etc.). A little tip for moms, the more detail the better.
  2. Create a behavioral recipe for your routine. Moms, this is where you can be creative and use your expertise of your child.
  3. Take action and parent with confidence. Moms, this is where you shine and have fun!

MUAH, kiss the guessing game goodbye! When it is all said and done, moms will have gained a new perspective on their child’s behaviors. Moms will confidently tackle future difficult routines with this new decision-making process. And when you run into a “should do” teller, you may find yourself dusting off your shoulder and saying, “No, thank you, I got this.”

Behavior Bake Tip: Select a routine and start jotting down the circumstances before and after your child’s behavior (i.e., I asked my child to take out the trash, my child yelled. As a result, my child went into his room after arguing and I ended up taking the trash out). It’s also important to jot down the circumstances when the routine was successful (i.e., I asked my child to take out the trash and my child did. As a result, I said, “Thank you”). Include any special or unusual circumstances (i.e., sickness, sleep, no down time, too much down time, etc.) Do this for a week or two and see if you start seeing patterns. Remember, the more detail, the better. This exercise is insightful!

– Written by M. C.

Behavior Bake is currently having a special promotion for new members. Families can save 50% off workshops with code STARTUP18.

To learn more about Behavior Bake, click here.

Behavior bake is the newest merchant in Trusting Connection’s Membership Discount Program! All families who are a member of our agency get exclusive discounts and savings from local participating businesses like Behavior Bake.

To see the entire list of participating local merchants, please click here.

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Family Activities for Earth Day

This year’s Earth Day campaign is End Plastic Pollution. Families can go to earthday.org and join millions of others by pledging to reduce the amount of plastic items they consume every year. The campaign is dedicated to educating and inspiring the public to fundamentally change their behavior and attitude towards the usage of plastics.

Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network stated, “EDN has built a multi-year campaign to End Plastic Pollution. Our goals include ending single-use plastics, promoting alternatives to fossil fuel-based materials, promoting 100 percent recycling of plastics, corporate and government accountability and changing human behavior concerning plastics.”

Parents can help participate this Earth Day by integrating environmental-focused principles within their family activities. Here are some ideas for parents to do with their kids that are proactive, fun, educational, and engaging.

 

 

  1. Plant a garden with your kids. Pay a visit to your local nursery or gardening store and purchase your favorite flower or seeds. Create pots using egg cartons or biodegradable materials.
  2. Participate in a local trash bash. Help out your community by picking up trash in your neighborhood park or nearby open space. Make a contest and see which family member can pick up the most trash!
  3. Schedule a day or two to be car-free. Take your family out on bike rides, walks, runs, or roller skating. Focus a day on being fuel-friendly and inform you kids about fuel emission.
  4. Practice the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Clean up your house by recycling unused toys, kitchenware, and clothes. Sort out papers that can be reused as scratch paper.
  5. While reducing plastic is the theme this year, educate your kids about water usage. Show your kids simple ways they can conserve water such as turning off the water while brushing their teeth, showering, or limiting watering the grass to an hour a week.

These are simple and effective ways families can influence each other to be more aware of their plastic and water usage as well as being environmentally conscious. Hopefully, these activities can turn into long-term practices that your whole family can integrate into everyday life.

Learn more about how you can help and make the pledge for the 2018 Earth Day Campaign by visiting https://www.earthday.org/.

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Written by: Kim Tran, Marketing Assistant for Trusting Connections Nanny Agency.

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