Here are three tips that will set children up for success while easing the mental load for parents and caregivers.

Establish routines

A predictable schedule can help kids stay on track with their day-to-day activities and give them a sense of stability. When a child feels comfortable and safe, they are open to learning new skills – it’s why childcare or early learning centres are built around regular schedules.

What’s more, healthy, lifelong habits may be easier to instill when they’re tied into a routine, sometimes called habit stacking. It’s like brushing your teeth right before story time which comes before sleep. The more life’s annoying chores, like brushing teeth or flossing, can become habitual for kids, the more likely they are to carry them into adulthood.

Cook for life

There’s a role for kids in the kitchen, from toddlers to teens. Teaching children about food from a young age will give them the tools to take ownership of their health later in life. Exposing them to culinary variety also helps to build kids’ interest in the larger world. Something as simple as getting them to talk about the shape, smell and taste of a new fruit goes a long way in developing little palates.

Choose age-appropriate tasks, like stirring ingredients for little ones, or simple meal prep like grilled cheese for older children, with supervision as needed. Learning special family recipes not only develops teenagers’ culinary skills, it also helps them to celebrate cultural traditions. Teaching these empowering skills can also save caregivers some time in the kitchen.

Trust your community

Parents want their children to be curious, knowledgeable and well adjusted, but we can’t be everything, everywhere, all at once. You don’t have to be the only champion for your child’s future.

Aside from friends and family, many childcare centres, such as Childventures, employ early childhood educators to provide caring, learning-filled environments. It’s okay to trust that caregivers and educators are just as dedicated to your child’s well-being and growth as you are. Knowing they have the proper training and expertise can also relieve some stress.

If you’re passionate about children and looking for a way to channel your creativity, you may want to consider the field of early childhood education yourself. It’s much more hands on than being a teacher, and you get to play a greater role in fostering children’s emotional health. The career is in high demand, too, with childcare centres, such as Childventures, hiring for all age groups.

(Source : News Canada)

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Among those is choosing a good costume that includes fabrics and accessories that are less likely to ignite, such as those made of heavyweight nylon, or polyester.

Health Canada also recommends selecting brightly colored costumes, so motorists can easily see you.

Adding reflective strips is another possibility, as is wearing well-fitting costumes that can be worn over warm clothing to protect the child in cold and wet weather.

Decorations

When it comes to decorations, Health Canada recommends constant vigilance to detect fire risks and prevent injuries.

Flashlights or battery-operated candles are particularly recommended to replace candles, lighted pumpkins, lighters and matches, which all represent fire risks. Those last elements must obviously be kept out of the reach of children.

Health Canada is also asking citizens to ensure that light decorations are certified by a recognized organization, such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).

It concludes by remembering to always take a look at treats and toys brought home before giving them to children. (N.P.)

translated by Alec Brideau

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