Summer Picnics Made Simple for Memorial Day

Posted by Danny Jensen in Preschool      No comments

May
26

Don’t waste your whole weekend planning your Memorial Day picnic.  We’ve done all the research and found the best website that will help you have a fabulous picnic without the stress and headache.  Now you can be the host and enjoy the picnic as much as your guests.  This website gives tips for planning the picnic, food, games, and other helpful hints to make sure your picnic runs smoothly.

Click here to read more:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2265479_host-fun-picnic.html

Creative Fathers Day Gift Idea that Dads love

Posted by Danny Jensen in Gifts, Holiday, Preschool      No comments

May
24

Does the dad in your home already have a closet full of ties, a garage with all the necessary tools, and enough homemade paperweights to last through four careers?  

Presents on Father’s Day should come from the heart, and let Dad know that you really value everything he has done.  We know that sometimes it’s hard to come up with an idea that can include the children and portray everything Dad deserves without breaking the bank. 

Are you trying to think of a fun and creative way to let Dad know that you love him and appreciate everything he’s done?  Here is a perfect way to let him know that you cherish the way he always takes care of you:

Materials:

1. 1 White Cotton T-Shirt
2. Fabric Paints (from local craft store)
3. Paintbrush

Instructions:

• Pour some paint into a shallow foil baking pan, and have your kids place either the palms of their hands or their feet into the paint.  
• Have them make a print of their hands or feet on the front of the t-shirt.  Next to the prints, write either: “I’m in good hands with Dad”, “Best Dad, hands down”, or “I want to walk in Dad’s footsteps.”  If you have more than one child, you can change the wording to “We’re in good hands,” etc.  
• Have them wash all of the paint off their skin immediately.  
• Tiny baby feet and hands are adorable mementos, but you can make this an annual tradition, a clever way to chart the kids’ growth. 

PS What do you think about this Fathers Day Gift idea? Do you have any fun and creative gift ideas you can share? We’d love to hear from you!

PPS We also would love to research and post any topics parents are looking to find out about. Let us know if you have a topic you want us to research or provide our feedback on!

Gainesville Preschools: I, Like So Many Others, “Love that Max”

Posted by Danny Jensen in Child Care, Special Needs      No comments

May
10

Mommy blogger Ellen Seidman’s blog, Love that Max, has developed a large following of devoted readers. With every post, I find myself moved beyond words – either because she makes me laugh out loud or she moves me to tears. For those who don’t know, Ellen writes about her son, Max and his struggles with cerebral palsy. As Ellen writes, “Cerebral palsy has not defined his life.” Through her eloquent yet honest words, and by Max just being Max, I continue to learn about the unique challenges that face special needs families.

We have been incredibly privileged to have Ellen join our team of contributors, and I asked her to tell us about how she finds trustworthy care for her little ones, Max and Sabrina:

In the search to find qualified babysitters or care providers for Max and Sabrina, do you have any interviewing or screening tricks that you use to ensure they meet your family’s needs?
When I’ve screened sitters over the years, I’ve been very upfront with them about Max’s needs—I spare them no details! He has cerebral palsy, and needs help with everything from feeding to toileting. I want to make sure they understand what is involved and feel comfortable with that. I also ask them to share an example or two of challenges they’ve handled when they’ve been babysitters. Once I think someone is good, I’ll hire her for a “test” babysit; I’ll pay her to come in for an afternoon so I can see how she interacts with the kids. You can’t glean things like patience and creativity from an interview; you have to see how sitters interact with the kids. 

What is your favorite go-to activity to keep Max and Sabrina occupied while you write your blog?
I make it a policy to never blog when they are around. This is why I typically post late at night–I do the blog after they go to sleep. That’s not to say I’m not guilty of Tweeting when they’re around or checking out Facebook!  

Would you ever use a “nanny cam” or any other kind of video surveillance to monitor your kids and their child care providers?
I have never felt the need. By the time I hire someone, I’m comfortable with the person, and I’ve done my research, checking multiple references and background. I trust who I hire, and want them to feel trusted. 

How do you talk about Max’s disability with Sabrina? What kind of questions does she ask?
Sabrina has asked several times what happened to Max. I’ve explained to her that he has cerebral palsy because his head was hurt when he was born and that, as a result, it can take him longer to do things, or he does things in a different way–but he still does them. That last part is important for her to understand; I want her to grow up knowing that even though Max may seem different from other kids, in many ways, he is like other kids. He loves to play, laugh and have fun, just like they do. This something I want the world to know about kids with special needs; they are still kids at heart, no matter how they look or act. 

What is the #1 most helpful bit of advice you can offer to fellow special needs parents looking for a babysitter and a break?
Don’t feel guilty about getting out; you not only deserve that break, you need it. It will make you a better mother. Spend time looking for a sitter you truly feel comfortable with and you will have no regrets when you go out. 

Thank you, Ellen, for sharing your story, each blog post at a time. Families, do you have a special needs family? Are you able to get that much needed break? Leave a comment for Ellen and me, and check out her blog: Love that Max!