MOMS Club ®

With all talk about "back to school" I know there are many moms out there that are not in that phase yet.  There are many wonderful groups out there for moms.  The one that has been the most helpful for me as I was making my way through the infant and toddler stages, and now preschool and elementary, was the MOMS Club ®.  There are many throughout Delaware County. As much as the foundation of this organization is for stay at home moms, the definition of stay at home is vastly different from a few years ago. We have moms who work part-time, from home and even full time.  Being able to make connections with other moms in your area, and with kids in different stages in life was the best thing I ever did.  Because when I had questions about preschool, there were moms who had already waded their way through that journey and I was able to get feedback on what there was out there.  And now with my oldest entering Kindergarten it's nice to have other moms to tell me it will be okay when he goes into this whole new world of experiences.   But the best part is having a diverse group of women, with whom I have made great friends, to talk to and get together with for a much needed moms night out!

MOMS Club,” the “Mother-To-Mother Fund” and the Mother/Children logo are registered service marks of International MOMS Club 

If you live in Penn Delco or Rose Tree Media Click HERE

The MOMS Club ® is an international  organization.

My Fest PA

FYI My Fest Pennsylvania

What is Cradles to Crayons?

http://www.cradlestocrayons.org/

Brushing: The Ultimate Battle

Brushing: The Ultimate Battle

By Ashley Valco

Most moms have been there... The before bedtime big brushing battle. Some kids may be very compliant while others are fighting like their lives depend on it. If that toothbrush touches their lips then the world just might end. And man, some kids can put up a serious fight! Trust me, I know. Many of these kids have sat fighting right in my chair while their parents say, “What am I supposed to do?!”

 You know you need to get their teeth clean but you need to pick your battles. Well, this is a battle worth fighting. Your child’s oral health will effect their overall health, their perspective of the dental office, your time, and your money. However, maybe we can find a way for it to NOT be a battle...

• Wipe the gums with a wet cloth after each feeding from birth. You never know when that first tooth will pop through and you want to keep the gums clean incase you miss it!
• The most important thing to do is make teeth-brushing a normal routine in their day when that first tooth appears.
• Make it fun the same way you would with baby spoons during dinner. 
• Some moms have said that brushing after the bath makes it easier because they are wrapped up in their towel still, restraining all limbs. 
• Sit baby on your lap, facing and straddling you while wrapping one arm around him and gently hold his chin, use your other hand to brush. He is much easier to work with. Especially when I make train sounds while doing it! Since the front of his body is facing you he isn’t able to move as much. 
• You could use a two person “knee to knee” technique we use in the office. One parent sits on the chair (I have used my rocking chair in my sons nursery) with your child straddling you. Lay them back with their head placed in the other parents lap. Then you have easier access to brush from above. 
• Most kids like to imitate. Brushing your own teeth in front of them regularly may help. Or let your child brush your teeth first and then brush theirs. Sometimes I let my patients do this to me and they crack up. 
• Create the idea that toothbrushes are fun. Let the tooth brush be a toy, and let them brush teddy’s teeth. 
• We recommend waiting until a child can write in cursive to brush on their own. Thats when they can demonstrate the dexterity to move the toothbrush properly. 
• Give them a visual timer, something to be interested in while brushing. Many times they are just bored. In my office we give out colorful sand timers (2 minutes) some kids really love watching all the sand pour through and will brush the entire time. 
• Bringing music into the bathroom will make it more fun and you could even turn it into a game. 
• Put together a chart to track their progress with a goal or prize (suited to their age) when they are consistent. 
• Education. Show them pictures of what happens when they don’t brush. ie: gum disease, cavities. 
• Go to the experts. At your child’s next dental visit (which needs to be scheduled every 6 months) mention to the hygienist or dentist that you are struggling at home. It might be a good idea to mention it out of ear shot of your child. If they hear you telling us to tell them, the tend to think we are just trying to help you- not them.  

There are a million different ways to get the job done, just like everything else you do as a parent. There isn’t a right way. What have you experienced? Do you have any tricks or struggles you can share?

Age One Dental Visit

By Ashley Valco

I am a new mom to a beautiful 10 month old baby boy. He is happy and healthy and very curious. Around 6 months of age the happy disappeared for a bit while we experienced the dreaded sleepless nights and unconsolable screaming that came along with some teeth. His bottom two teeth came through without a peep! In fact, I didn’t know he had them until he bit me! 

So, at this point, you may be thinking this is about teething. I will address that at some point in the future, but, not today... 

When my sons top two teeth came busting through with a vengeance, the first thing I noticed was the small yellow spot in the center of each one. I couldn’t believe it. Could he be missing the enamel from his teeth? I patiently waited until they were fully showing to determine what to do next. 

So, today, we will be talking about the importance of getting your little one to the dentist at age one, or within 6 months of the appearance of their first tooth.  

“What?”

“Age one?!” 

“But everyone else said age 3.... Even my pediatrician.” 

“What could you possibly do during a visit with a 12 month old??”

First and foremost, just like everything you have heard from the day you found out you were pregnant, each baby is an individual and should be treated as such.

My son, as an individual, needs a bit more diligence when it comes to keeping his teeth plaque free and watching his nutrition. If I wasn’t a dental hygienist I wouldn’t know that. I actually wouldn’t know until I brought him to his first dental exam. And if I had listened to my pediatrician, that would have been at age 3. But, by then he could have had two large cavities. What a terrible way to start off the dental experience. 

Supporters of the age one dental exam:

• AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)
• ADA (American Dental Association)
• AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry)
• ADHA (American Dental Hygiene Association)

Why you should bring your little one to the dentist by age one:

• Assessment of the needs and treatment that are specific to your child. 
• Cavities are preventable. 
• Baby teeth are important and are present until age 12. 
• The health of baby teeth can effect the health of adult teeth. 
• Cavities in baby teeth can lead to problems including growth, development, and self-esteem.
• Decrease in health care costs. 

What you should expect during this visit:

• Discussion about oral health care and nutrition that can effect overall health and dental health.
• Current habits like thumb sucking or pacifier. 
• Discussion about tooth development and if your specific child needs fluoride. 
• An exam.
• Fluoride treatment
• A cleaning if it is possible.
• Answering all of your questions and concerns. 

I know that was a lot to take in, but the bottom line is to not wait to get your little one into the dentist. We prefer to prevent cavities rather than treat them. And I am sure you, your child, and your wallet would prefer that too! 

Questions? Let me know!  You can comment in the comment section below!  Come back next week to discuss brushing problems & tips for all ages!!

Internet Safety Tips for Kids

After an area teen recently went missing with a man, authorities believe she met on line, I thought it was important to give parent a few guide lines and tips to help you keep your children safe.  These tips & ideas are just suggestions, please remember that the internet ( and the things on it) are ever evolving & always changing, so the the way we respond as parents needs to change as well.

1. Go over your expectations of internet use in your home & define clear consequences.  Give your children the chance to tell you if they've stumbled upon a site that goes against the rules...we all know how easily a Google search can turn ugly!  
2. Have the computer in a public place-yes your teen might need the laptop for an assignment, that doesn't mean they should keep it in their room.  As much as possible, the computer should be easily seen and parents should walk by often.  
3. Ask your kids to show you what sites they go on & explain what they do on them.  You may find that a site you thought was harmless, has a chat option in which all members can participate, which exposes your children to many "friends" on line.  
4. Know their passwords & check in---but tell them you're doing it.    Many might see this as an invasion of privacy, but I see it is necessary.  Facebook settings allow everyone to categorize people & allow certain categories to see what they've written. They can easily hide things from mom & dad.  If they don't want to tell you the password, that's fine, you don't have to give them the wireless password.  Facebook & email are not rights, they're privileges  which can & should be taken away if abused.  
5. Let them know that if they have questions about what is appropriate or if they can post pictures, etc.  it is always okay to ask you.  
6. Be honest with your children that not everyone they meet on line is a friend-or even close to who they pretend to be.  It might be a little scary, but children need to understand that they can not tell who is on the other side of the keyboard.  
7. Don't forget phones.  Many teens have smart phones & can get in just as much trouble on the phone.  This is another area where you know the passwords & tell them you'll occasionally be checking in.  

Parents can download software & various programs that can help to monitor & control the sites children & teens go to, but programs don't replace supervision & conversations.  Be observant, ask questions & know who their talking too.  

Do you have suggestions or ideas that work for your family?  Share them in the comments!  

My newest breakfast item-Green Smoothies!

Recently while checking out Pinterest, I started noticing everyone posting smoothie recipes.  It seems easy enough but really, would my kids drink it too?  Making it for everyone is pretty easy and we start off the day with a dose of fruits & veggies...I'm not a nutritionist or a doctor but that seems like a good idea!  You can change the recipe to fit things your family likes or doesn't like too---so it works really well.

My kids drink a smoothie about this size.

The main recipe we use:

• 2-3 handfuls of spinach
• milk (depending on how thick you want it, add more or less milk)
• 1-2 apples sliced, not peeled, the peel has all the good stuff.  (Google it if you don't believe me)
• Strawberries
• 1-2 bananas 
• orange optional

Between each fruit or veggie, you have to blend, blend, blend.  My kids and I like this smoothie with 3 bananas, no orange, my husband doesn't like banana so he gets 1 and an small orange when I make him one.

So I made it this morning for my husband and if he drank it all, he had 3 handfuls of spinach, milk, 1 apple, a handful of strawberries, 1 banana and an orange by the time he got to work.  Things to note, this smooth looks gross.  It is green, people don't like green things.  It is also a little chunky & not really smooth.  You're going to have some chunks because you left the apple skins on and used the spinach.  But you're getting lots of good for you foods in one big drink!

Do you have a smoothie that you drink?  I'm looking for a good one with more veggies!

Free Skiing & Snow Boarding All Winter!

My kids ages 5 & 8, along with my husband LOVE to ski and can't wait until next year when my oldest in 4th grade so we can take advantage of more skiing! 

My daughter skiing for the first time after she just turned 4!

Back for another year, 4th & 5th graders in the state of Pennsylvania can spend the winter on the slopes for free!  22 Pennsylvania ski resorts will provide of 60 days for free skiing this winter-you have to fill out an application (along with an application fee of $30), show proof of your child's grade and send everything thing to Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association.  The passes are valid starting December 1, so get your info in now to be ready for the upcoming ski season! 


For more information, application & a list of participating ski resorts go HERE!

Fish for Free Day-Pennsylvania!

Fish-for-Free Day

September 3, 2012 (Labor Day)

Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish with NO FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED to fish on all Pennsylvania's waterways on the designated days. All other fishing regulations still apply. Two dates are typically chosen.

Fish-for-Free Days are great ways for families to “catch” the fun of fishing!

Upper Darby Summer Stage-Children's Theater

Upper Darby Summer Stage shows are held in the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, a modern air-conditioned theater just minutes from Center City and the Main Line. Parking is free! Our Children’s Theater series features one-hour musicals recommended for ages 4 and up – with free babysitting offered for those who are too young to enjoy the show quietly.

 

2012 Shows Include:

• Dora the Explorer, July 11-13th
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (for young audiences) July 18-20th.
• Suessical Jr. July 25-27th.
• Annie Jr. August 1-3rd
• Hairspray August 3, 4, 10, 11
• How I Became a Pirate, August 8-10th.
• Disney Spectacular, August 15-17th.  

Go to Upper Darby Summer Stage for show information and to order tickets!

Weekend Family Fun!

Weekend:

• Rose Tree Park Concert Series, Info HERE!
• Lowes Build & Grow-Kung Fu Panda, Registration Required (Sat & Sunday

Friday:

• Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a
• Dora the Explorer at the Upper Darby Summer Stage
• Steve Pullara & His Cool Beans Band in Rose Tree Park 7:30 (bring your own chairs or blankets)
• Landsdowne Borough is showing Ghostbusters (side note, my family LOVES this movie :)

Saturday:

• Michael's Stores-Passport to Japan, free while supplies last.
• Colonial Plantation Pirate Splash Day
• Media Borough:  So much going on in Media on Saturday-go in early & stay for the day.  Click HERE for all the details!
• Bastile Day
• Jungle Book & Jesus Christ Super Star at the Media  Theatre (not at the same time!)
• Second Saturday
• Movies at Barrell Field, 8pm (Smurfs) & the Library 1:30pm

Sunday:

• XFINITY Live Family Fun Day
• 5th Annual Media Downtown Car Show Info HERE.
• Free Admission to the Brandywine River Museum 9:30 am-noon

Family Fun Day at XFinity Live!

The first XFINITY Family Fun Day is this Sunday, June 10th starting at 11am. Enjoy free parking, discounted food & demonstrations from The Franklin Institute!!! Check out XFINITY Live on Facebook to keep up on all their events!

Weekend Family Fun

My friend Kelly at Delco Deal Diva has a great list of Easter Egg Hunts & activities for the next few weeks HERE!

All Weekend Events:

• Linvilla has a ton of great activities!  Hayride's to Bunnyland, Mini Golf!
• Green Ridge Fire Company Carnival, 2900 W. Dutton's Mill Rd, Aston, Info HERE

Saturday:

• Dollar Admission at the Hagley Museum in Wilmington 
• Kids Workshop at Home Depot 9-12
• Michaels – Make it take it-Easter Egg Free 1:00-3 pm

Sunday:

• Free Admission to the Brandywine River Museum-Info HERE

Weekend Events! Star Wars, Brandywine Zoo, Philly Flower Show & More!

All Weekend Events:

• Tree Maze & Mini Golf now open at Linvilla Click HERE for my review.
• Second Time Around Kids Sale
• Elam United Methodist Church Kids Sale
• Philadelphia Flower Show has plenty of Family Events

Saturday:

• Stars Wars @ Newtown Public Library Click HERE for info. 1-3 pm.
• Carnival Hoop Build & Grow at Lowes: Registration is required
• Brandywine Zoo free admission HERE
• Celebrate the Disney Stores 25th anniversary Here
• The Knack (AKA Micheal's) Free Family Event - Yarn Doll Make-It Take-It Click HERE for more info. (time: 10:00-noon) and T-shirt Tote HERE for the cost of a t-shirt (1-3).
• Dollar Admission at the Hagley Museum in Wilmington 
• Check out Second Saturday in Media

Granite Run Mall Kids Club-Today!

Looking for something to do today? Check out the kids club from Granite Run Mall: Kids Club, which is totally FREE, just got even better- To celebrate the first day of their participation and one time only on Mar 6, Chick Fil A will provide every kid that comes to the event a FREE kids meal coupon. Parents, the Kids Club event is in Boscov's Court from 10:30-11:45 this Tuesday and also includes Friendly's Ice Cream with special treats, Mr. Scott the Music Man of course, and a special appearance from the Chick Fil A Cow. No pre-registration is required.
Info HERE!

Weekend Family Fun! CN Skate, Linvilla, Adventure Aquarium & More!

All Weekend Events:

• Tree Maze & Mini Golf now open at Linvilla Click HERE for my review.
• CN Skate Palace is having a special all weekend! Info HERE 
• $15 admission to the Adventure Aquarium (pay NJ sales tax & $1 processing fee). You can also save 20% off an annual pass! Go HERE to purchase & for more information.

Friday:

• Media Borough Family Dance info HERE

Saturday:

• The Knack (AKA Michaels) Free Family Event - Make-It Take-It Tote Click HERE for more info. (time: 10:00-noon)
• Dollar Admission at the Hagley Museum in Wilmington 
• Creative Family Performance-Professor Freeze’s Winter Magic Show~Tom McDonnell at the Creative Living Room at 4:30pm.

 Sunday:

• Media Upper Providence Library Lego Club Info HERE. Ages 4-11 Registration is Required.
• Penny-a-Pound at CN Skate "What you weigh is what you pay". 6:30-8:30pm

 

Maple Sugaring at Tyler Abrboretum

Looking for something to do with the kids on President's Day?

Monday, February 20, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Presidents' Day falls in the middle of maple sugaring season. Come to the Arboretum and learn about this sweet breakfast treat by tapping a tree, collecting sap, boiling it down, and enjoying delicious maple syrup snacks. In the afternoon, we will venture out to see what other plants are doing this time of year.

To register contact Joanne Landau, Registrar; 610-566-9134 x215 or jlandau@tylerarboretum.org
Pre-registration required for all Mini-Camps; $50 members, $55 non-members per class

Click HERE for more info!

African Folktales & Hip Hop Dance Party-FREE

2/3 First Friday-African Folktales & Hip Hop Dance Party
“Pillows & Pajamas Story Time”

First Friday, February 3 @ 6pm
“African Folktales & Hip Hop Dance Party”
stories * songs * dance

For more information check out Check out The Creative Living Room.

Big Miracle-Movie Review

I had the opportunity to take my son, daughter & daughter's friend to see the preview of Big Miracle this past weekend. The movie is based on a true story about a family of grey whales that becomes trapped in the ice in Barrow, Alaska- is rated PG & now playing! Click HERE for the movie website.

This story is a heart warming tale about the efforts to free the animals, unlikely friendships and never giving up. My favorite line in the movie is when Adam Carlson (Krasinski-aka Jim from The Office) says to Rachel Kramer (Barrymore)"There is nothing you can do." Rachel replies with a "There is always something you can do." A great idea & lesson for all of us to remember.

This movie was great, I loved it, the two 8 year olds loved it and even my 4 year old watched & he made it through the whole movie (which can be kind of a Big Miracle too!). My recommendation would be this is a movie for a little bit older kids-probably closer to 6 if you're watching it in the theatre. There is a curse word or two, but I felt this was an overall great family movie.

The scenes were pretty amazing, lots of snow & ice, they looked cold for sure& I felt the characters were really emotionally attached to the whales & the outcome.  Oh & the whales-very cool too!!! One surprising twist to the movie-was my daughter's questions about what was real, what didn't really happen but made a good story & finally asking how we could find out more-I am so excited that the movie inspired her to want to learn more about these real life events-we're not calling it history or research yet but that is exactly what she is doing!  We came home & I purchased the book right away-I'll read it first, but she is excited! Here it is on Amazon!

If you go to see the movie, please let me know what you think-I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

PS. If you're a crier  take a few tissues there are a few scenes that will have you teary eyed for sure!

Free Kidz Bounce @Maple Sports Arena

KIDZ BOUNCE- our new program for pre-schoolers and younger is being offered FREE all next week. Monday-Friday from 9:30-1:30 your children can enjoy free Moon Bounces and Marple Mountain at Marple Sports Arena.

Check out the Marple Sports Arena for all the information!