Hanukkah safety tips

Place the Hanukkah menorah out of the reach of small children and curious pets.
The flames from lighted candles and oils can not only burn tots and pets, but can create a fire hazard threatening the safety of other members in the household. If you place a lighted menorah near a window, pull back draperies and remove other flammable objects.

Introduce fireworks with video

If you have fireworks from the previous years on a video, then you should show them to your toddler. Let them see how the fireworks look and sound in the comfort of their own home.

Preparing baby with small fireworks

If it is possible, prepare your baby with some small fireworks at home.

There are poppers, and some small but noisy firecrackers. Try each one out in front of him/her (but not close). Feel their reaction and remember this is new to him or her so they may and may not like them.

Planning a party for Halloween?

Partying on Halloween? Unless you plan to take your guests on their quest for candy, you should pick a night other than the 31st. 

Fireworks and tot safety

Sparklers, considered by many the ideal ‘safe’ firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing.

Safety around BBQs

Children are naturally curious about BBQs. Each year about 1,000 people suffer burns. Stay safe this holiday.

July 4th fireworks tip

To prepare a toddler for the fireworks, watch a video to Let them see how the fireworks look and sound in the comfort of their own home.

Including toddlers in Holiday activities

Try as much as possible to include your toddlers in holiday activities. At this age they like to “help”, and if you include them in what you are doing it often reduces the possibility of temper tantrums.

Holiday Hazards

Take an inventory of potential hazards you have in your home after decorating and pay special attention to electrical decorations. Christmas lights hung or strung across a wall or window are no exception. These may be low enough for a small child to grab before you can notice.

Holiday Spending Money for kids

Give your kids their own budget. Spending their own money on small, thoughtful gifts helps children to understand buying.

Swapping out DVD’s for the holidays

The holidays are a great time to introduce new DVD’s and CD’s to your toddlers. Yes, Elmo has a decent Christmas DVD. It’s a nice change to the other two Elmo movies they watch every day.

Building Thanksgiving Confidence

Ask your child to help you set the Thanksgiving table, showing you value his help. This will help to build his confidence and self-esteem.

Talk about Thanksgiving with your child.

Talk about Thanksgiving and how people have been celebrating harvest time with a big feast for a long time. Talk about what you will do for Thanksgiving.