Spring Has Sprung!

Ok - I know there is still snow on the ground and I just heard the forcast where they actually said flurries, but  let's get hop to it and get some Spring ideas going!
Here are a few Spring craft ideas that can get your creative juices flowing. These sites have lots of other ideas for you. Check them out and use them as a jumping off point!

Ladybug Rocks: http://crafts.kaboose.com/earth-ladybug-rocks.html
Cardboard Boomerang: http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/cardboard-boomerang-673893/
Variety of Spring Crafts: http://www.dltk-holidays.com/spring/crafts-other.html
20 Minute Kite: http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/20-minute-kite-670372/

Relational Aggression - What is it?

Bullying is a huge concern. Bullying can happen anywhere,  face-to-face, by text messages or on the web. It is not limited by age, gender, or education level.  It is not a phase and it is not a joke. Bullying can cause lasting harm. Relational aggression can be build to bullying if left unaddressed.

AAP UPDATES RECOMMENDATION ON CAR SEATS

American Academy of Pediatrics

UPDATES RECOMMENDATION ON CAR SEATS

Children should ride rear-facing to age 2, use a booster until at least age 8

Below is a policy appearing in the April issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
For Release: Monday, March 21 , 2011 12:01 am (ET)

Mix up Fun with Homemade Play-doh

by Kelly Miller

                                                                                                                                    

"Mommy, can we make play-doh?" my daughter asked last weekend.  I said "Yes" and immediately turned to Beyond Peanut Butter and Jelly for a recipe.  We made the following recipe with orange food coloring and orange extract.

Creative Dough

*1 cup water            

*several drops food coloring                                            

*saucepan               
*1 cup flour              
*2 teaspoons cream of tartar                                      
*1 tablespoon vegetable oil
*1/3 teaspoon salt  
 *1 teaspoon vanilla extract or other appealing scent      
*airtight container

Combine the water and food coloring in a saucepan.  Add the flour, cream of tartar, oil, salt and vanilla and mix well.  Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the mixture forms a ball, stirring constantly.

Remove to a work surface and let stand for 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle.  Knead for 30 seconds or until smooth.  Cool completely.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Baby Sign Language

Are you interested in knowing more about baby sign language? Here are some resources to get you started in your search for information.

http://www.babies-and-sign-language.com/
http://www.signingbaby.com/main/
http://www.babysignlanguage.com/

Setting Yourself Apart

Here are a few tips that could help you in getting your next nanny position or in hiring someone who is really an outstanding candidate.

Travel Related Activities

Last Friday we posted an article, Travel Together. Here are some related activities that I've used over the years that can be an added asset to your travel experience. Enjoy!

Travel Together: Family-Nanny Travel Tips

No matter what time of year we get questions from both nannies and families asking for travel tips – how to make the experience positive, how to set expectations, how to prepare, and many more. Nannies who travel with their employer families and families who have their nannies travel with them have a unique experience ahead of them. The key is planning and preparing in advance, being clear about expectations and boundaries. The bottom line is that this is the family’s vacation and the nanny is included as the child care provider. Ideally everyone should come home with fond memories and good feelings.

Smoothing Out Your Day: Effective Transitions

Transition: “Passing from one condition or place to another.” A day with a child is full of transitions. How are you handling them? Some are manageable, even positive, while others create “bumps” in our day or week. Here are a few helpful hints that can make those transitions work for you not against you.

2011 INA Annual Conference Scholarship Opportunities

If you want to attend the 2011 INA Annual Conference, don't let finances stand in your way!
Several INA members and supporters are offering opportunities to win a free or discounted 2011 INA Annual Conference registration.
Don't miss out on your opportunity to win a free 2011 INA Annual Conference registration!

Celebrate Suess!

March 2nd is the birthday of Dr. Seuss! Take this opportunity to celebrate. Here are some resources for you to get you thinking about ways to encorporate some Seussian fun today!!

http://www.holidaysmart.com/3drseuss.htm

http://www.nea.org/readacross/

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/dr-seuss-birthday/

http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/02/dr-seuss-party-ideas-dr-seuss-birthday.html

http://www.pbs.org/about/news/archive/2011/cat-march-marathon/